Religious Environment

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors BYU to provide a university education in an atmosphere that nurtures spiritual growth and a strong testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ. Church programs are closely correlated at all levels with the activities of the university, and students will find many opportunities to grow spiritually.

BYU Stakes and Wards

To give students maximum opportunity to participate, the Church is organized into a number of BYU stakes composed of several wards of approximately 150 members each. All single students living away from home who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints become members of a BYU ward. Married students not living in university housing may attend either the BYU ward or the residential ward in which they live.

Other Religious Denominations

Approximately twenty-five other religious denominations are represented in the BYU student body. These students are encouraged to attend the congregation of their faith.

Religion Classes

All students at BYU should include regular gospel study as a continuous part of their university experience. Full-time undergraduate students need to take the equivalent of one religion class each semester of enrollment until a total of 14 semester hours in religion has been earned toward a bachelor's degree. See the Religious Education section of this catalog for more information.

Devotionals and CES Firesides

University devotionals, held throughout the year on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., provide an inspirational and integrative part of the university experience. These assemblies are occasions to celebrate the shared sense of values and community in the university. Participation in these gatherings renews spiritual commitment and extends knowledge of significant religious, intellectual, and cultural matters.

Devotional speakers, selected from the General Authorities and other leaders of the Church and university, come to teach the gospel and affirm the spiritual dimension of the university experience for students, faculty, and staff. An additional opportunity is provided by regular Church Educational System firesides, usually held on the first Sunday of the month.

Most campus offices and services are closed during university assemblies so that members of the university community may participate.