Mormon Church

About the Mormon Church

The term “Mormon Church” or “LDS Church” is a nickname that has long been applied to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church has nearly 14 million members world-wide as of Dec, 31, 2009. It is the fourth-largest religious institution in America, with over 6 million members in the United States and another 7 million members throughout the world. There are nearly 28,000 Mormon congregations worldwide, with meetings held in more than 180 languages, and Sunday services are open for anyone to attend.

Mormon Church History

In the spring of 1820, Joseph Smith Jr. retired to the woods near his home in Palmyra, New York, and offered a simple prayer to our Father in Heaven. This humble prayer set into motion a series of events, including the ministering of angles, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the priesthood, and eventually restored The Church of Jesus Christ to the earth.

Beginning with Joseph Smith, the Mormon Church has always been led by a prophet of God. These prophets also serve as presidents of the Church and direct the affairs of the Church. The current prophet and president of the Church is Thomas S. Monson. Go to the official Mormon Church History site for more information.

Mormon Church Teachings and Practices

Latter-day Saints, as Mormons are often called, believe in a loving, personal God as our Heavenly Father. Since He is the Father of our spirits, all people are His children and thus all people are brothers and sisters. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem mankind from their sins. Church members try to model their lives on the Savior’s teachings.

Mormons believe God has called new apostles and prophets in our day through whom He reveals his word, as He did anciently. Thus, God still speaks to humankind. Mormons believe in the Holy Bible, both the Old and New Testaments. In addition, they use other scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, which serves as another witness to the ministry of Christ and His divinity. Used together, these scriptures offer insight into such vital questions as the nature of God, salvation, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Visit Mormon.org to learn more about Mormon Beliefs.

Mormon Church Humanitarian Service

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is well known for its humanitarian work and has teamed up with Catholic Relief Services, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and many other agencies to help relieve suffering throughout the world. In the year 2007 alone, the Church responded to major earthquakes in five countries, massive fires in six countries, hunger and famine in 18 countries, and flooding and severe storms in 34 countries. In total the Church and its members responded to 170 major events — nearly one every two days for the entire year. The motivation behind this vast global work centers on the simple charge given by Jesus so many years ago to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Visit the Mormon Church Humanitarian site for more information.