LDS Church

LDS Church
Name	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Alt	Salt Lake Temple
Caption	Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City
Founder	Joseph Smith
Founded date	1830
Founded place	Kirtland, Ohio
Headquarters	Salt Lake City
Area	Worldwide
Members	17 million (approx.)

LDS Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global religious organization originating in early 19th-century United States with origins in the ministry of Joseph Smith and canonical works such as the Book of Mormon. It has a distinctive scripture, institutional structure headquartered in Salt Lake City, and a significant presence across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The church has influenced politics, culture, humanitarian action, and settlement patterns, notably in Utah Territory and the American West.

History

The church originated in 1800s in the United States during the Second Great Awakening with revelations reported by Joseph Smith in Palmyra, New York and the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830. Early events include the establishment of settlements in Kirtland, Ohio, the founding of a community in Nauvoo, Illinois, and violent conflicts culminating in the 1844 murder of Joseph Smith and the succession crisis involving figures like Brigham Young and James Strang. Under Brigham Young, members migrated along the Mormon Trail to the Great Salt Lake basin, creating the provisional State of Deseret and later integrating into the Territory of Utah and State of Utah. The late 19th century saw federal challenges such as the Edmunds-Tucker Act and the church's 1890 Manifesto discontinuing officially sanctioned plural marriage, leading to statehood for Utah in 1896. Twentieth-century developments included the professionalization of church administration, missionary expansion into Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and global growth after World War II. Contemporary milestones include humanitarian collaborations with organizations like United Nations agencies and evolving positions on social issues in dialogues with governments such as the United States federal government and national legislatures.

Beliefs and Practices

Doctrine centers on the teachings of Joseph Smith, scriptural texts including the Book of Mormon, the Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Core beliefs encompass the nature of God as Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, ordinances such as baptism by immersion, and a restorationist claim of restored priesthood authority linked to angels like John the Baptist and the apostles Peter, James, and John. Practices include regular worship in congregational meetings, observance of the Sabbath, temple ordinances, missionary service exemplified by extensive proselytizing programs, and a lay clergy model relying on callings from leaders like members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Moral teachings address issues debated with public institutions, including positions on marriage and family life that have intersected with national debates such as those involving same-sex marriage legislation. Health teachings like the Word of Wisdom influence practices around diet, alcohol, tobacco, and substance use. Liturgy, hymnody, and educational programs are shaped by institutions such as Brigham Young University and church-owned media like Deseret News.

Organization and Governance

The church is governed from a central headquarters in Salt Lake City with a hierarchical leadership including the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and additional quorums and presidencies. Administrative divisions encompass geographic stakes and wards (local congregations), mission territories overseen by mission presidents, and temple districts managed by temple presidents. Church governance interacts with civil authorities in contexts such as property law disputes, tax-exempt status issues in countries including the United States and Canada, and local registration requirements in nations like China and Russia. Organizational history reflects administrative reforms influenced by events such as the 1890 Manifesto and twentieth-century institutional adaptations during periods like the Great Depression and the post-World War II era.

Membership and Demographics

Membership has grown from early 19th-century converts in the United States to an estimated worldwide membership numbering in the tens of millions, with significant concentrations in United States, Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines. Demographic patterns show variation in retention, conversion rates, and activity levels across regions; factors include local religious landscapes such as Roman Catholicism in Latin America and indigenous faiths in parts of Africa and Oceania. Migration and settlement patterns historically linked to the Mormon Trail and later internal migrations have affected demographics in metropolitan areas like Salt Lake City, Provo, Utah, and centers in Sao Paulo, Mexico City, and Manila. Scholarly studies on membership draw upon census data, surveys conducted by institutions like the Pew Research Center, and academic research from universities including Brigham Young University and Harvard University.

Temples and Worship Spaces

Distinct from regular meetinghouses and chapels, temples serve as sites for sacred ordinances and are governed by specific temple protocols; prominent examples include the Salt Lake Temple, the Hawaii Temple in Laie, Hawaii, and the Cardston Alberta Temple. Architectural styles vary globally, reflecting local materials and cultural influences as seen in temples in Rome, Hong Kong, and Accra. The church's expansion strategy has included constructing smaller temples to increase accessibility, with temple dedications often attended by large delegations and presided over by senior leaders such as members of the First Presidency. Meetinghouses host weekly sacrament meetings, Sunday School classes, and auxiliary activities run by organizations like the Relief Society, the Aaronic Priesthood, and the Young Women organization.

Social and Cultural Impact

The church has shaped regional culture in the Intermountain West through institutions like Brigham Young University, media outlets such as KSL-TV and Deseret News, and philanthropic efforts including partnerships with USAID and disaster relief agencies. Its political influence has been notable in debates over state legislation in Utah and in national conversations in the United States about family policy, religious liberty, and public morality. Cultural practices including genealogical research promoted through organizations like FamilySearch and the use of family history centers have influenced broader fields of archival science and digital humanities. The church's humanitarian initiatives have collaborated with organizations like the Red Cross and World Health Organization in responses to crises, while its social teachings have intersected with movements and legislation involving civil rights and women's suffrage historically.

Category:Religious organizations