Inside the World's Most Affluent Religious Organizations
Did you know that some religious institutions are among the world's wealthiest? Beyond their spiritual influence, some of these organizations hold riches amassed over centuries through donations, land ownership, investments, art collections, and more. How does this happen?
The Trinity Church—$6 Billion As Of 2019
For centuries, the Trinity Church has been a landmark in New York City. The initial structure was built in 1698 by the Church of England, but it was destroyed in a fire to be rebuilt in 1864. It owns vast amounts of real estate in Manhattan, especially around Wall Street.
Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Basilica Of Sacré-Cœur—N/A
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, or Sacré-Cœur, has a striking white appearance that comes from travertine, which emits calcite when it rains to keep it white. Entry is free, but the church receives multiple donations and is home to one of the world's largest mosaics, Christ in Majesty.
Sebastian Bergmann, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Muhammadiyah—$27.96 Billion As Of 2023
Muhammadiyah is one of Indonesia's largest Islamic organizations that focuses on religious reform and social welfare. With influence spreading across Southeast Asia, Muhammadiyah owns and operates thousands of schools, universities, hospitals, and orphanages across Indonesia, which contribute to the institution's net worth. Funding also comes from donations and endowments.
Opus Dei—$3 Billion As Of 2018
Portrayed in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, Opus Dei stands as one of the wealthiest and most influential Catholic institutions. It has a strong presence in business and politics with income from its extensive ventures—real estate holdings, universities, and donations from thousands of members and benefactors.
Our Lady of Peace, Prelatic Church of Opus Dei by Prelature of Opus Dei
The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints—$265 Billion As Of 2023
Perhaps the wealthiest church in the world is the LDS church in Utah. It has become one of the fastest-growing Christian denominations, and it operates an extensive humanitarian aid program. The church owns shopping malls, hotels, schools, agricultural lands, mining operations, and ranches in several countries.
Leon7, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Catholic Church In Australia—Estimate Of $23.25 Billion
Life in Australia would have been different without the Catholic Church in Australia, which plays a significant role in providing education and welfare services. Nevertheless, controversy arises from the lack of taxation despite the vast portfolio of real estate, including churches, schools, hospitals, undeveloped and prime land slots.
Georgfotoart, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Seventh-day Adventist Church—$15.6 Billion As Of 1998
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is known for its emphasis on community service. As a result, it operates a network of schools, hospitals, community service centers, and publishing houses to reflect its commitment to holistic well-being. Most of the church's income comes from tithes and donations.
Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Church Of England—Approximately $10.69 Billion In Endowment Funds
During the English Reformation, King Henry VIII built the Church of England to split from the Roman Catholic Church. It's deeply intertwined with British culture, with iconic sites like Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral under its care. The church owns over 100,000 acres of land and residential properties.
Rafa Esteve, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Japan's Association Of Shinto Shrines—N/A
Shinto shrines are central to Japan's culture, as they are sites for festivals and spiritual practices. These shrines generate money through tourism, donations, and sales of amulets and talismans. Many own vast tracts of land and are supported by Japan's government and private donors to ensure financial sustainability.
Wiiii, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Notre Dame Church—N/A
Construction of Notre Dame Church began in 1163 and was completed in 1345. It's one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is home to priceless artifacts, like the Crown of Thorns, believed to be worn by Jesus Christ. Notre Dame generates revenue from donations and government support.
Ali Sabbagh, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Padmanabhaswamy Temple—Estimate Of $1 Trillion
Origins of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple trace back to antiquity, with significant contributions from the Travancore royal family. It's dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the architecture reflects Dravidian and Kerala styles. In 2011, gems worth billions of dollars were discovered in its underground vaults, including gold and ancient artifacts.
Alaison bennny, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The United Methodist Church—Between $2.5 and $4 Billion
In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Church and Methodist Church merged to form the United Methodist Church. Today, it's one of the richest churches with property holdings and investments. It has a significant presence in higher education, having operated several universities, including Duke University and Emory University.
Zachary Roper, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Church Of Scientology—$2 Billion As Of 2015
Members of the Church of Scientology, like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, are among its biggest supporters. Although it's a modern movement, the Church of Scientology has gained many followers for its focus on spiritual development. Donations, membership fees, sale of religious materials, and real estate contribute to its revenues.
Scientology Media, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Church Of Sweden—Estimate Of 11.41 Billion As Of 2012
Established during the Christianization of Scandinavia, the Church of Sweden became an independent Lutheran body in 1536. The Church of Sweden's portfolio includes forests, real estate, urban land holdings, and financial assets to maintain its historical buildings. It oversees many of Sweden's historic cathedrals, including Uppsala Cathedral.
Andrew Friberg, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Anglican Church Of Canada—Total Assets of About $34 Million As Of 2020
Since it was established by British settlers in the 18th century, the Anglican Church of Canada has taken significant steps toward reconciliation with Indigenous communities. It's part of the worldwide Anglican Communion and currently owns churches, schools, hospitals, and diocesan properties. It also benefits from endowments, which support its ministries.
Krazytea, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Episcopalian Church—$2.4 Billion
The Episcopal Church was formed after the American Revolution. It's known for its inclusive stance on social issues. The church owns real estate properties and receives donations that contribute to its financial stability. The Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, is one of its most prominent buildings.
Duane Lempke, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Kenneth Copeland Ministries—Annual Revenue of $18 Million As Of 2023
Kenneth Copeland Ministries is a non-denominational Christian ministry focused on preaching the prosperity gospel. It emphasizes faith and empowerment through Christianity. The ministry operates a 33-acre property, including a private airport for Copeland's fleet of jets. Moreover, it produces books and TV programs to reach millions worldwide.
Kenneth Copeland Ministries, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sagrada Familia—Annual Income of $137 Million As Of 2023
Designed by Antoni Gaudí, the construction of Sagrada Familia began in 1882 but is still incomplete. Construction is funded entirely through private donations and ticket sales, which makes it a rare example of self-sustained religious architecture and one of the wealthiest organizations in Spain.
Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Saint Anthony Chapel—N/A
Apart from donations, Saint Anthony Chapel's riches are related to its unmatched relic collection, which is considered priceless. Father Mollinger, a German immigrant priest, dedicated his wealth to acquiring about 5,000 artifacts and constructing the chapel, which has the largest collection of Christian relics outside of the Vatican.
Giovanni Guida, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Masjid Al-Haram—N/A
Every year, Masjid al-Haram generates billions of dollars from the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The original structure dates back to the 7th century, with ongoing expansions by various Islamic rulers. It currently accommodates more than 2 million worshippers, with the Saudi government investing billions in its maintenance and expansion.
Mondephile, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sistine Chapel—Annual Income Of More Than $80 Million
Hundreds of tourists visit the Sistine Chapel daily to admire its ceilings and wall frescoes, painted by artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Perugino. Michelangelo's The Last Judgment and Creation of Adam are particularly renowned. Its wealth lies in its priceless art collection and centrality to Catholic religious activities.
Snowdog, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Catholic Church In Germany—Between $47.24 And $265.62 Billion
With several notable landmarks, the Catholic Church in Germany has been an integral part of the country's history and culture. Aachen Cathedral, for instance, was the coronation site of German kings for centuries. The church tax and donations make it one of the wealthiest branches of the global Catholic Church.
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Basilica Of Our Lady Of Aparecida—N/A
Brazil's Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida is the world's second-largest church. It hosts millions of visitors annually, and most of its income comes from donations and sales of religious artifacts. It was built near the Paraíba River, where a statue of the Virgin Mary was miraculously found.
Valter Campanato, ABr, CC BY 3.0 BR, Wikimedia Commons
Seville Cathedral—N/A
Built on a former mosque, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. The Seville Cathedral contains 80 chapels and is renowned for its elaborate altarpiece and bell tower. Its big historical and artistic treasures generate substantial tourism revenue.
Ingo Mehling, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lakewood Church—Annual Revenue Estimated Between $50 and $100 Million
Lakewood Church began as a small congregation meeting in an abandoned feed store under the leadership of John Osteen. After his passing, his son Joel Osteen transformed it into one of the largest and most influential megachurches. Joel Osteen's books, DVDs, music, and television ministry generate significant revenue.
