Debunking the Myth: Does the Mormon Church Own Pepsi?

Introduction

There has been a circulating myth surrounding the ownership of popular soft drinks such as Pepsi by the Mormon Church, formally known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This article aims to debunk this misconception and provide factual information regarding the church’s investments and financial holdings.

Ensign Peak (LDS Church Investments)

One of the primary sources of confusion regarding the ownership of Pepsi by the Mormon Church comes from Ensign Peak, the investment arm of the church. However, it is important to note that Ensign Peak does not own stocks in Pepsi or Coca-Cola. This information has been clarified through various sources, including church filings and official statements by church representatives.

Examination of Church Investments

Despite the lack of ownership of Pepsi stocks, it is worth exploring the broader portfolio of church investments. Ensign Peak Holdings, the investment subsidiary of the church, engages in various investment strategies to maintain and grow its financial resources. These investment strategies encompass a diverse range of assets, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and more. However, the church’s investment decisions are not specifically centered around owning beverage companies.

Largest Shareholder Misconception

Another common misconception is that the Mormon Church is the largest shareholder of companies like Pepsi. However, this claim is incorrect. Ownership of a publicly listed company, like PepsiCo, is distributed among all shareholders. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is often cited as one of the largest shareholders in PepsiCo, but it is not affiliated with the Mormon Church.

Mormon Church’s Stance on Beverages

To dispel any confusion, it is crucial to understand the Mormon Church’s stance on various beverages. The church encourages its members to abstain from consuming alcohol, coffee, and tea, as they are considered substances that interfere with spiritual well-being. However, the Mormon Church does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of caffeinated soft drinks like Pepsi.

Brigham Young University and Caffeinated Drinks

The confusion surrounding the church’s ownership of soft drink companies may have arisen from the beverage policies at Brigham Young University (BYU), a university owned and operated by the Mormon Church. While BYU does not sell or serve caffeinated drinks on campus, this is a policy specific to the university and not reflective of the church’s stance on such beverages.

Clarifying the Historical Context

Some individuals have suggested that the Mormon Church previously owned significant amounts of Pepsi stocks during the 1970s. However, there is no conclusive evidence supporting this claim. It is important to approach historical claims with caution and rely on verified information rather than hearsay or unverified sources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the myth that the Mormon Church owns Pepsi is baseless and has been disproven through various sources of information. Ensign Peak, the investment arm of the church, does not own Pepsi or Coca-Cola stocks. While the church advises its members to abstain from consuming alcohol, coffee, and tea, caffeinated soft drinks like Pepsi are not prohibited. It is essential to rely on accurate information rather than speculation and misconceptions when discussing the Mormon Church’s investments and beliefs.