03/12/2026
BREAKING NEWS
A Special Fifth Sunday and Fast
To: The following leaders in the United States—Stake, Mission, and District Presidencies; Bishoprics and Branch Presidencies; Members of Stake and Ward Councils and Their Presidencies
Copies: General Authorities, General Officers, Area Seventies, Communication Directors
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence throughout 2026. A new video will be available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org in which President D. Todd Christofferson and Elder Quentin L. Cook will offer instruction about the significance of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and related events that enabled the Restoration of the Church. All wards and branches in the United States are invited to use this video during a fifth-Sunday meeting on May 31 to discuss the importance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and how these documents support religious freedom and our God-given agency.
Additionally, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, all are invited to participate in a unified fast to express gratitude for religious liberty and to pray that it be strengthened throughout the world. Please convey this invitation to members of your stakes, wards, and branches beforehand so they can prayerfully consider the focus of their fast.
Over the course of 2026, members are also invited to participate in service projects and activities associated with the 250th anniversary observance, including projects organized through JustServe and FamilySearch.
Sincerely,
The First Presidency
Dallin H. Oaks
Henry B. Eyring
D. Todd Christofferson
Discover a service-oriented, globally-connected Christian church that is led by a prophet of God and seeks to follow Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
