Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Main classification	Latter Day Saint movement
Orientation	Restorationism
Polity	Hierarchical
Leader title	President
Leader name	Russell M. Nelson
Area	Worldwide
Headquarters	Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Founder	Joseph Smith
Founded date	April 6, 1830
Founded place	Fayette, New York

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a Christian restorationist denomination and the largest branch of the Latter Day Saint movement, which originated with the visions of Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, it is distinguished by its belief in continuing revelation through living prophets and additional scriptural texts alongside the Bible. The faith is known for its strong emphasis on family life, proselytizing missionary work, and a substantial worldwide membership.

History

The origins trace to the First Vision reported by Joseph Smith in Palmyra, New York, around 1820. Smith published the Book of Mormon in 1830 and formally organized the church on April 6, 1830, in Fayette, New York. Early members faced significant persecution, leading to migrations from Kirtland to Missouri and then to Nauvoo, Illinois, where Smith was killed by a mob in Carthage Jail in 1844. Following a succession crisis, the majority of members accepted the leadership of Brigham Young, who led the pioneer exodus westward to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. The 19th-century practice of plural marriage under leaders like John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff culminated in the 1890 Manifesto, which began the church's gradual integration into American society, leading to eventual statehood for Utah.

Beliefs and practices

Central beliefs include the nature of the Godhead as three separate beings, the plan of salvation encompassing pre-mortal, mortal, and post-mortal existence, and the atonement of Jesus Christ. Key practices involve weekly sacrament meetings, adherence to a health code known as the Word of Wisdom, the payment of tithing, and participation in sacred temple ordinances such as eternal marriage and baptisms for the deceased. Members also emphasize regular fasting, personal prayer, and ministering to one another.

Organization and leadership

The church operates under a hierarchical, worldwide structure led by a prophet who serves as the President, currently Russell M. Nelson, assisted by his two counselors in the First Presidency. The senior governing body is the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, whose members, like Dallin H. Oaks and Jeffrey R. Holland, are considered apostles and prophets. The church is geographically divided into stakes and wards (congregations), led by local lay clergy. Auxiliary organizations include the Relief Society, Young Men, Young Women, Primary, and Sunday School.

Scriptures and teachings

The standard works, or canonized scriptures, consist of the Bible (as "translated correctly"), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. The Book of Mormon, subtitled "Another Testament of Jesus Christ," is a record of ancient inhabitants of the Americas and is held as a companion witness to the Bible. The Doctrine and Covenants contains modern revelations, primarily to Joseph Smith and his successors, while the Pearl of Great Price includes writings like the Book of Abraham and Joseph Smith–Matthew. Ongoing teachings from living prophets, presented in conferences and publications like the Ensign, are also considered authoritative.

Demographics and membership

With a global membership exceeding 17 million, it is one of the fastest-growing religious groups in the Western Hemisphere and has significant presence in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, and across Africa and Europe. Membership statistics are reported annually during the church's General Conference. The faith operates an extensive missionary program through the Missionary Training Center and hundreds of missions worldwide, with young members, like those from Brigham Young University, often serving full-time proselytizing missions.

Culture and community life

Distinct cultural aspects include a strong focus on family history work, facilitated by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, and participation in temples worldwide, such as the Salt Lake Temple. The church sponsors educational institutions like Brigham Young University and the Church Educational System, and provides extensive humanitarian aid through LDS Charities. Community life is centered on local meetinghouses, with activities ranging from scouting and youth programs to welfare projects and cultural events, fostering a tight-knit, service-oriented global community.

Category:Christian new religious movements Category:Religious organizations based in Utah Category:1830 establishments in New York (state)