This Is The Second Largest Religion In Utah

It comes as no surprise that the predominant religion in Utah is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accounting for 55% of the population. However, you might be curious about the second-largest religious affiliation in the state.

Depending on the source, the consensus, including the PEW Research Center, indicates that Protestantism holds this position, with estimates varying. According to PEW Research, the percentage of Protestants in Utah stands at 7%.

Protestantism, a branch of Christianity, adheres to the theological principles of the Protestant Reformation—a movement initiated in the 16th century with the aim of reforming the perceived errors, abuses, and discrepancies within the Catholic Church.

The term "Protestant" finds its roots in the Latin word "protestari," meaning "declare publicly, testify, protest." This word combines "pro," meaning "forth, before," and "testari," meaning "testify." A Protestant, by definition, is someone who publicly declares their opposition to something, making a public testimony against that which they oppose.

I've had many conversations with a former co-worker who was not of the dominant faith about the cultural effects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on the state. As an outsider, he had insight into the state of the state that slipped by me. One of his points was that even though his religion was well represented in Texas, where he was from, their church body was not united under one governing body the way The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is. He admitted that this unification is intimidating if you are on the outside of the organization.

I think it would be fair to note this about the Protestants in Utah. Even with the 7% that they do hold it is probably intimidating to rub shoulders with a unified majority that another church represents.

Maybe that's why I think it is interesting to find out what churches have a presence in our state, so that we can be aware that even if one finds themselves in the majority, there are a lot on the outside. Maybe this awareness will help us coexist.