Erroneous Reporting of Elizabeth Smart Case - Church Newsroom
A few media outlets are drawing erroneous connections between the reported bizarre religious writing
newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.orgDirect answer: Based on recent reporting and public statements, Elizabeth Smart remains a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though she has spoken about her faith in nuanced, personal terms and focused her public work on advocacy rather than Church leadership. However, public commentary and sources vary in how they describe her current level of formal Church activity, so exact status can appear differently in different outlets. For the latest, most precise framing, see contemporary profiles and interviews.
Key context and notable sources (latest available so far)
- A 2026 summary piece notes that Smart identifies with her LDS roots and continues to be associated with Mormon faith, while emphasizing her advocacy work and personal spiritual journey [web results from 2026 coverage].
- Earlier profiles have consistently described her as raised in the LDS Church and maintaining that affiliation in the years following her kidnapping, including discussions of how faith informed her healing process [public profiles from 2013–2014 and later retrospectives].
What to watch for if you’re tracking this live
- Elizabeth Smart’s own statements in interviews or memoirs about faith, spirituality, and church involvement.
- Official statements or communications from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Church Newsroom regarding her status.
- Media profiles that distinguish between personal belief, church membership, and active church participation (e.g., attending services, participating in church programs).
If you’d like, I can pull the latest articles and summarize the most recent statements with direct excerpts and links. I can also look for Netflix or documentary coverage that discusses her faith journey in the context of her public advocacy.