The spires of the historic Salt Lake Temple are shown here during the 186th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on April 2, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

Church says increase is due to rising costs of rent, food, utilities and transportation

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Serving a mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be more expensive for many members of the faith.

Church leadership sent a letter last week announcing that members will have to pay $500 a month starting in July 2020 for missions in 18 countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan.



That is a 25% increase from $400 a month that has been the rate since 2003.

The Utah-based religion says the increase is needed because of rising costs of rent, food, utilities and transportation.

The proselytizing missions are considered rites of passages for young members of the faith. Men serve two years while women serve 18 months.

There are currently about 67,500 missionaries around the world.