Church of the Latter Day Saints at a glance
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded in 19th century America and has 13.5 million members world-wide (LDS 2008 Statistical Report).
The Church claims to be the restoration of the original church established by Jesus Christ.
Over 17 million people worldwide embrace its teachings, with more than 187,000 Latter-day Saints living in the United Kingdom.
- The church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or The Church of Jesus Christ.
- Mormons believe their church is a restoration of the Church as conceived by Jesus and that the other Christian churches have gone astray.
- The church was founded by Joseph Smith (1805 - 1844).
- It was then developed by Brigham Young who migrated with the new Mormons to Salt Lake City in 1847.
- Mormons believe that God has a physical body, is married, and can have children.
- They also believe that humans can become gods in the afterlife.
- Mormons are strongly focused on traditional family life and values.
- They oppose abortion, homosesxuality, unmarried sexual acts, pornography, gambling, tobacco, consuming alcohol, tea, coffee, and the use of drugs.
- One of the more common misconceptions is that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints advocates polygamy. However, this was discontinued over a century ago and the Church excommunicates anyone who practices it.
Latter-day Saints believe both the Bible and the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, to be the word of God, and revere both books as divinely inspired scripture.
The Church places strong emphasis on family, community, and service. Latter-day Saints are encouraged to follow a health code which prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. They are also known for their welfare programme and humanitarian work.
Temples play an important role in the religion, distinct from the thousands of chapels or meetinghouses all over the world that are used for Sunday services. Latter-day Saint temples are considered the holiest and most sacred places in the faith, where Church members make promises to serve God. These temples are also where the highest sacraments of the faith occur — including the marriage of couples and the “sealing” of families for eternity.
