What the Church of Jesus Christ is inviting all to do as the United States prepares to celebrate 250 years
First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites all "to participate in a unified fast to express gratitude for religious liberty and to pray that it be strengthened throughout the world. "
Sarah Jane is editor of the Deseret News. As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting all to fast and pray for religious liberty. “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,” wrotePresident Dallin H. Oaksand his counselors,President Henry B. EyringandPresident D. Todd Christofferson, in an official communication to church leaders and members sent March 12. Members are invited to fast on Sunday, July 5 — the day after the United States’ Independence Day on July 4. The Declaration of Independence is displayed at the National Archives on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in Washington, D. C. , as the archives unveiled a display for the first time of the entire Constitution and all 27 amendments, as part of celebrations for the upcoming 250th anniversary of founding of the United States. | Mark Schiefelbein, Associated PressThe First Presidency also invited members to watch anew church videoin which President Christofferson and Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered “instruction about the significance of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and related events that enabled the restoration of the church. ”RelatedAll church units in the United States were invited to use this video during a fifth-Sunday meeting on May 31 to discuss the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and “how these documents support religious freedom and our God-given agency. ”The letter also invited members to participate in service projects and activities associated with the 250th anniversary observance, including projects organized through JustServe and FamilySearch. JustServeandFamilySearch Internationalare collaborating withAmerica250— the official nonpartisan initiative established by Congress to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. Themed pillows and decorations are displayed at the offices of America250, the organization leading celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein, Associated PressFirst Presidency letter on 250th anniversaryFollowing is the full text of the First Presidency letter: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 onChurchofJesusChrist. orgin 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. Related