Green also criticizes LDS for having “more than $100 billion in assets” but “not doing more to help the world and its members.” The letter went on, with even harsher criticisms: “The church has exploited its members and their need for hope to build temples, build shopping malls, and cattle ranches … rather than alleviating human suffering in or out of the church.” Green had reportedly left the Mormon Church about a decade ago, but this letter serves as a formal request for all documented ties to be completely severed between the church, and Green himself, as well as 11 members of his family: “Although I have deep love for many Mormons and gratitude for many things that have come into my life through Mormonism, I have not considered myself a member for many years and I’d like to make clear to you and others that I am not a member.” Green also pledges to donate $600,000 to Equality Utah, the biggest LGBTQ organization in Utah, with nearly half of those funds going towards a scholarship program for LGBTQ students in the state, including those presently enrolled at the Mormon-affiliated Brigham Young University. But that’s a drop in the bucket compared to his previously stated intention to give away at least 90 percent of his net worth before he dies. Jeff Green earned his $5 billion fortune in the internet advertising industry. He is the Chairman and CEO of The Trade Des, a publicly traded digital ad platform that boasts a $45 billion market cap.
