How many members are leaving the LDS church?

The current best estimate for the LDS retention rate stands at approximately 67%, reflecting a considerable decrease from the rates observed in the late 1980s. This decline underscores the evolving nature of religious beliefs and practices among LDS members and their descendants.

The retention rate of LDS members within the church has significantly declined over the past few decades. In the late 1980s, LDS members had a remarkable 95% retention rate, meaning that most of their children continued to be a part of the church.

However, this trend has shifted dramatically in recent times. Today, the retention rate has dropped to around 67%, highlighting a significant change in the dynamics of the LDS community.

According to Cragun, this decline indicates that almost a third of individuals who were raised as LDS members eventually choose to leave the religion. This shift represents a substantial transformation in the religious affiliations of these individuals.

The reasons behind this decrease in retention rates are multifaceted and complex. They may include changes in societal values, individual beliefs, and personal experiences that lead individuals to question or reject their religious upbringing.