Looked to buy a house in Park City. First question was what Ward I belonged to. Suddenly the price went up...
If you want to pretend that the center of the world in the state isn't Temple Square, and the Elders, go ahead. However, for the rest of us Gentiles, that propaganda is not valid. Try and sell it to some 23 year old girl with 5 kids...
But, that's how they like it, and the Church is not holding a gun to their heads. Deseret Industries does a better job of social services that the feds do.
Feel free to continue thinking otherwise though.