Tech billionaire quits Mormon church, gives $600K to Utah LGBTQ+ group
Global News
"I believe the Mormon church has hindered global progress in women's rights, civil rights and racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights," Jeff Green wrote in a letter to the church.
Frustrated over what he believes are harmful actions toward minority and racialized groups, a Utah billionaire has rebuked his former church and donated more than half a million dollars to an LGBTQ+ group.
Jeff Green, CEO of Trade Desk, a software marketing company, wrote a letter to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) president Russell Nelson this week, asking that the Mormon church remove his records and confirm he is no longer a member, reports The Salt Lake Tribune.
“I believe the Mormon church has hindered global progress in women’s rights, civil rights and racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights,” Green wrote in the letter, according to the Tribune.
“Although I have deep love for many Mormons and gratitude for many things that have come into my life through Mormonism, I have not considered myself a member for many years and I’d like to make clear to you and others that I am not a member.”
Green, 44, is considered to be one of Utah’s most wealthy businesspeople. In addition to his $600,000 donation to Equality Utah, he wrote in a giving pledge that he plans to donate 90 per cent of his estimated US$5-billion fortune.
“Government money (long before mine) has been thrown at the very problems and suffering that I intend to address through data-driven philanthropy. Being deliberate, focused, smart, passionate, and collaborative is the only way to make an outsized impact and create leverage with the wealth I plan to donate,” he wrote.
According to The Associated Press, 11 of Green’s family members and one friend resigned from the church alongside him.
The church did not immediately return a request from The Associated Press seeking comment on Tuesday, but in recent years has shown a willingness to engage on LGBTQ+ rights that is unusual for a conservative faith.
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