Who are the Mormons? Topic Who are the Mormons? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) can be found at every level of society — in business and agriculture, education and the sciences, political parties and government, the entertainment industry and news media. Describing the character of Latter-day Saints, Newsweek magazine wrote: “No matter where Mormons live, they find themselves part of a network of mutual concern; in Mormon theology everyone is a minister of a kind, everyone is empowered in some way to do good to others, and to have good done unto them: it is a 21st century covenant of caring.” This caring is not limited to Church members alone but extends far beyond. According to Church President Thomas S. Monson , “As a church we reach out not only to our own people but also to those people of goodwill throughout the world in that spirit of brotherhood which comes from the Lord Jesus Christ .” Membership More than 15 million people now constitute the Church’s membership, a majority of whom live outside the United States. And within the United States, it has the fourth-largest membership of any church.

Since its humble founding in 1830 with a mere six people in a log cabin in upstate New York, the Church has continued to grow in membership and influence. Values The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a restoration of New Testament Christianity as taught by Jesus and His apostles. It is not Protestant, evangelical, Catholic or Orthodox. Nevertheless, the basic values of morality, civility and family espoused by the Church are similar to those of most other Christian faiths. Church members find refuge from the uncertainties of the world in the gospel message of hope and happiness. The reality that life has divine purpose, that God cares for each individual and that everyone has the capacity for improvement through correct choices is a central theme of Mormon thought. Beliefs Latter-day Saints 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. All individuals are entitled to personal revelation. 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. Education One of the highest values of the Church is education . It is considered a spiritual imperative as much as a secular one. Thus, according to the late President Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Lord has laid a mandate upon the people of this Church that they should learn by study and by faith, that they should seek not only after spiritual knowledge, which is most important, but that they should seek after secular knowledge.” The Church offers its youth ample educational opportunities: seminary is a four-year program that prepares high school students for the spiritual challenges of life; institutes of religion provide general religious instruction and a social atmosphere for college-age adults. Over 700,000 students are enrolled in these programs, which are established in 132 countries.

In addition, the Church has created the Perpetual Education Fund to provide young men and women of the Church in developing nations with the means to gain education and training. This fund, which comes largely from the contributions of Church members, offers loans to students, enabling them to attend school and find employment opportunities in their own countries and communities. Worship On any given Sunday, Latter-day Saints gather for worship services in more than 28,000 congregations in 177 countries, nations and territories around the world. Adapted to the local needs of the various congregations around the world, these worship services are held in more than 180 languages and welcome visitor participation. Missionary Work The worldwide growth of the Church is partly due to the service of more than 50,000 full-time, volunteer missionaries , who teach the gospel wherever they can — in the streets and in the home. But this tells only half the story. The openness and caring of the members toward their friends and acquaintances is the real catalyst for growth, as the restored gospel provides answers to life’s deepest questions.

Family President Monson recently described the ideal home : “Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God’s Spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells. The world can at times be a frightening place in which to live. The moral fabric of society seems to be unraveling at an alarming speed.” But, he continued, this is a struggle that families and individuals “can and will win.” Thus, in an increasingly fractional society, the importance of strengthening the family is paramount. The values essential to the prosperity of any civilization are first instilled in the family — the fundamental unit of society — where a husband and wife work together for the betterment of the whole. The Church’s teachings and programs are designed to fortify the family. The time-honored virtues of charity, sacrifice, patience and forgiveness enable society to prosper. They are most effectively learned at home. Organization The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized much the same way that Christ organized His church in New Testament times. It is led by a prophet who serves as president of the Church. He has two counselors, and these three leaders constitute the First Presidency.

The First Presidency is assisted by twelve apostles, who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ to all the world. Leaders called seventies assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and serve in various areas throughout the world. Local congregations are led by bishops. The main organization for women in the Church is the Relief Society , which was founded in 1842. Today this organization includes more than 5.5 million women ages 18 and older in over 170 countries. Lay Leadership The local leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is composed of qualified lay members , not a paid clergy. Chosen through prayer and inspiration, these leaders do not aspire to Church positions but respond to “callings” in a spirit of service. Individual members in turn are called by their leaders to serve in various positions in their congregation. This cooperative enterprise means that lay members alternately preach sermons and listen to sermons, lead music and sing music, give advice and receive advice. Their service blesses others and leads to personal growth. In addition to strengthening the family, this organizational structure fosters a profound sense of community within the congregation and satisfies the human desire for connection through mutual responsibility to each other.

Community The Church is actively involved in the civic affairs of the communities where its members live. It has an obligation to take stands on moral issues facing society. In the arena of partisan politics, however, the Church has adopted a strict policy of neutrality . The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. It does not endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms, recognizing that its values can reside in each of them. Nevertheless, the Church does encourage its members to be responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections. Further, it expects its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Respect and Tolerance In that same spirit of civility and respect, President Monson recently made a plea to the members of the Church for more religious understanding and tolerance : “I would encourage members of the Church wherever they may be to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere. The world in which we live is filled with diversity.

We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours.” Humanitarian Service In his inaugural press conference held on 4 February 2008, President Monson emphasized the importance of cooperation in civic endeavors: “We have a responsibility to be active in the communities where we live, all Latter-day Saints, and to work cooperatively with other churches and organizations. My objective there is ... that we eliminate the weakness of one standing alone and substitute for it the strength of people working together.” The worldwide charitable efforts of the Church are often carried out in partnership with other faiths and organizations of goodwill. 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.” *This page has been updated since it was originally posted on 19 June 2008.

The Church of Jesus Christ The Church of Jesus Christ The Church of Jesus Christ The Church of Jesus Christ During Old Testament times, God followed this pattern by appointing prophets such as Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses to establish His Church. Obedience or Apostasy As recorded in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, when a prophet was on the earth and a group of people kept the commandments, the people enjoyed all the blessings of true teachings and ordinances performed by priesthood authority. When the people rejected the prophets, the authority of the priesthood was taken away and the people lived in a state of spiritual darkness known as apostasy. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon record numerous cycles of obedience and blessings, followed by wickedness and apostasy, followed by repentance and a return of blessings. An Established Pattern THROUGHOUT HUMAN HISTORY, God and Jesus Christ have made their true Church available whenever and wherever people have been willing to receive its blessings. He does this by following a consistent pattern. Prophets, Priesthood Keys, and Revelation The pattern begins when God, our Heavenly Father, calls a prophet to lead and teach the people (see Amos 3:7 ).

From God, the prophet receives priesthood keys, which are the power and authority to direct the work of God on earth. This work includes ordinances (or religious ceremonies) necessary for salvation, such as being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost (see John 3:5 ). The prophet also receives continuing revelation, or communication from God, regarding His will for the people. Under the authority and direction of the prophet, the people are organized into a church, where they can be taught God’s truths and receive ordinances. During Old Testament times, God followed this pattern by appointing prophets such as Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses to establish His Church among the people. As part of this pattern, the prophets gave priesthood authority to additional worthy men as priests and teachers to help in the Church. In the Old Testament, the word congregation was typically used to mean “church” (see, for example, Leviticus 16:33 ; Numbers 27:16-17 ). This same pattern is recorded in the Book of Mormon, where the word church is used.

The Church in the Time of Christ Continuing and Perfecting the Pattern During Jesus Christ’s mortal ministry—as well as during His visit to the ancient Americas after His Resurrection—He established His Church. It was called the Church of Jesus Christ (see 3 Nephi 27:8 ), and the members were called Saints (see Ephesians 2:19-20 ). Like the prophets who had preceded Him and testified of Him, Jesus received His instructions and His authority from God, our Heavenly Father (see Hebrews 1:1-2; 5:4-6 ). During Jesus Christ’s mortal ministry and after His Resurrection, He established His Church. Organizing the Church To establish order in His Church, Jesus ordained 12 Apostles and gave them the power and authority of the priesthood (see Mark 3:14 ; Luke 9:1-2 ). He appointed Peter the chief Apostle and gave him the priesthood keys to seal blessings both on earth and in heaven (see Matthew 16:19 ). Jesus appointed other priesthood leaders to assist the Apostles in the work of the Church. He sent officers called Seventies in pairs to preach (see Luke 10:1 ).

Some of the other officers in the Church included high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons. These officers were all necessary to perform ordinances and instruct and inspire Church members. These officers helped the members come to a “unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God” ( Ephesians 4:13 ). The Apostle Paul later compared the Church to a building that was “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” ( Ephesians 2:20 ). The Bible does not tell us everything about the priesthood or the organization and government of the Church. However, enough of the Bible has been preserved to show the beauty and perfection of the Church organization. The Apostles were commanded to go into all the world and preach (see Matthew 28:19-20 ). They could not stay in any one city to supervise new converts. Therefore, local priesthood leaders were called and ordained, and the Apostles presided over them. The Apostles and other Church leaders visited and wrote letters to the various congregations.

Thus, our New Testament contains letters written by Paul, Peter, James, John, and Jude, giving counsel and instruction to the local priesthood leaders. The New Testament shows that this Church organization was intended to continue. For example, the death of Judas left only 11 Apostles. Soon after Jesus had ascended into heaven, the 11 Apostles met together to choose someone to take the place of Judas. Through revelation from the Holy Ghost, they chose Matthias (see Acts 1:23-26 ). Jesus had set a pattern for 12 Apostles to govern the Church. To establish order in His Church, Jesus ordained 12 Apostles and gave them priesthood authority. The Great Apostasy Throughout history, the Lord’s people have often fallen into a state of wickedness and spiritual darkness known as “apostasy.” This happened while the Apostles were still alive and supervising the young, growing Church. Some members taught ideas from their old beliefs instead of the simple truths taught by Jesus. Some rebelled openly. In addition, there was persecution from outside the Church. Church members were tortured and killed for their beliefs. One by one, the Apostles were killed or otherwise taken from the earth.

Because of wickedness and apostasy, the apostolic authority and priesthood keys were taken from the earth. Because of these events, the organization that Jesus Christ had established no longer existed, and confusion resulted. More and more error crept into Church doctrine, and soon the dissolution of the Church was complete. The period of time following the death of Christ’s Apostles, when the true Church no longer existed on the earth, is called the Great Apostasy. This period lasted for many centuries. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. Beginning with this event, the pattern of God restoring truth and authority through a prophet began again. Today, a prophet, acting under the direction of the Lord, leads the Church. This prophet is also the President of the Church. He holds all the authority necessary to direct the Lord’s work on earth (see D&C 107:65 , 91 ). Two counselors assist the President. Twelve Apostles, who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ, teach Church members and regulate the affairs of the Church in all parts of the world. Other General Authorities and general officers of the Church serve under the direction of the First Presidency and the Twelve.

To learn more about these Church leaders, see the General Authorities and General Auxiliaries sections. The Church today has grown much larger than it was during Jesus’s mortal ministry. There are now millions of members worldwide. As the Church has grown, the Lord has revealed additional units of organization. To learn more, see How the Church Is Organized . The Church Will Never Be Destroyed Thousands of years ago, the Lord said He would “set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, . . . and it shall stand for ever” ( Daniel 2:44 ). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that kingdom. Although there have been periods of worldwide apostasy in the past, the Lord has promised that His Church will remain until Jesus Christ returns to reign personally on the earth. As members of the Church, it is our privilege to enjoy many blessings, to share those blessings with others, and to prepare for the Savior’s coming. The Church Today The Promised Return of Truth During the Great Apostasy, people lived in spiritual darkness. About 1,700 years after Christ, people were becoming more interested in knowing the truth about God and religion.

Some of them could see that the Church Jesus had established was no longer on the earth. Some recognized that there was no revelation and no true authority. The time had come for the Church of Jesus Christ to be reestablished on the earth. This time was foreseen in scriptures that prophesied the loss of the truth and its eventual return (see Acts 3:20–21 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ). This restoration of truth was also in keeping with the Lord’s promise, as recorded in the Old Testament: “I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder” ( Isaiah 29:14 ). Another Prophet Called by God In the spring of 1820, one of the most important events in the history of the world occurred near Palmyra, New York. As a young boy, Joseph Smith wanted to know which of all the churches was the true Church of Jesus Christ. He went into the woods near his home and prayed humbly and intently to his Heavenly Father, asking which church he should join. On that morning a miraculous thing happened. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.

The Savior told him not to join any church because the true Church was not on the earth. Beginning with this event, the pattern of God restoring truth and authority through a prophet began again. Joseph Smith was called to help bring back the true Church of Jesus Christ. Since that time, the heavens have remained open. Revelation continues to this day through a prophet chosen by God. Priesthood Keys and Authority Returned God again gave the priesthood to men. John the Baptist came in 1829 to confer the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (see D&C 13 ; 27:8 ). Later in the same year, Peter, James, and John, the presidency of the Church in ancient times, came and gave Joseph and Oliver the Melchizedek Priesthood and the keys of the kingdom of God (see D&C 27:12–13 ). Later, additional keys of the priesthood were restored by heavenly messengers such as Moses, Elias, and Elijah (see D&C 110:11–16 ). Through these events, the priesthood was returned to the earth. Those who hold this priesthood today have the authority to perform ordinances such as baptism.

They also have the authority to direct the Lord’s kingdom on earth. Christ’s Church Was Organized Again On April 6, 1830, the Savior again directed the organizing of His Church (see D&C 20:1 ). Having received the priesthood keys, Joseph Smith now had authority to do this. During Christ’s mortal ministry, His Church was called the Church of Jesus Christ, and the members were called “Saints.” Now, in this later period of time, His Church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see D&C 115:4 ). Joseph Smith was sustained as prophet and “first elder” of the Church (see D&C 20:2-4 ). Later the First Presidency was organized, and he was sustained as President. When the Church was first organized, only the framework was set up. The organization developed further as the Church continued to grow. The Church grew quickly, and soon it was organized with the same offices as those of the ancient Church. That organization included apostles, prophets, seventies, evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (presiding officers), high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Mormonism, The Mormon Church, Beliefs, & Religion - MormonWiki Discuss this article or ask questions at the LDS.net Forums . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints From MormonWiki Jump to: navigation , search The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often referred to as the LDS Church or Mormon Church . Casual names for the Church and its members mostly originate outside the Church, and they tend to perpetuate misunderstandings about what Latter-day Saints believe. The Church emphasizes its central belief that Jesus is the Christ. Church doctrine revolves around Christ's atonement as the defining event in world history. Mormon doctrine rests upon the principles taught by the Savior during His ministry; relayed through ancient prophets as recorded in scripture; restored through the prophet Joseph Smith ; and continued through the voice of succeeding prophets and leaders of the Church. The doctrines of Christ are believed to be eternal. The Church calls itself "the restored Church," the original gospel preached by Jesus Christ having been corrupted after the death of the original apostles.

[1] The nickname " Mormon " is actually derived from the name of an ancient prophet who lived in the Americas and who recorded, organized, and abridged the scriptural history of his people. His account (along with the accounts of others who left Jerusalem around the time of the Babylonian captivity) is contained within an inspired record known as the Book of Mormon . Translated by Joseph Smith and first published in 1830, the Book of Mormon stands with the Bible as "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." It reveals the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, His plan for our salvation, and His dealings with the early inhabitants of this continent. It contains a marvelous account of His appearance to a multitude shortly after His resurrection. Christ appeared to these ancient peoples, because they were offshoots of the House of Israel. They lived the Law of Moses, looking forward to the coming of their Messiah. Their prophets testified to them that this Messiah would be the Christ, and that he would live and teach in Judea. The Book of Mormon peoples received signs of His birth and crucifixion before His appearance to them as a resurrected being.

The Book of Mormon is accepted by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as divine scripture, along with the Bible . Other scriptures comprising the Standard Works of the Church are The Pearl of Great Price , which includes accounts of Abraham, Enoch, and Moses, and the Doctrine and Covenants , a compilation of modern revelations. The Church is headquartered in Salt Lake City , Utah . The Church reports a worldwide membership of over 15,000,000 as of 2013, with over 7.0 million residing outside the United States. It is the fourth largest religion in the United States. And one of only four religions in the U.S. that are growing, according to Pew Foundation reports. According to statistics released by the Church, 47% of its members live in the United States and Canada, 36% in Latin America, and 17% in other parts of the world. (See Membership Distribution .) The Church is growing by about 300,000 members per year, worldwide.

Contents 11.2 Church-friendly Web sites, unaffiliated with the Church Basic Beliefs and Practices The most referenced statement of basic beliefs is the Articles of Faith , as given by Joseph Smith to a questioning reporter of his day. This brief recitation by Joseph Smith establishes the basic beliefs of Mormonism, and is not intended to be exhaustive. Acceptance of the Bible , Book of Mormon , Doctrine and Covenants , and Pearl of Great Price as works of scripture. Belief in God the Father, the Son ( Jesus Christ ), and the Holy Ghost existing as three separate, individual beings. Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, His "only begotten in the flesh." God the Father and Jesus Christ are perfect, glorious, resurrected beings and have corporeal bodies. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. Belief that all things were created by God the Father through His son, Jesus Christ, also called The Word. Belief that God is all-seeing, all-knowing, and all-powerful. Belief that worthy, baptized members can have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, which serves as a testator of truth, and enables one to discern good and evil and to receive inspiration from deity.

Belief in a plan of salvation or eternal progression. Belief that Christ will come again to the earth and will initiate His millennial reign—one thousand years of peace. Latter-day Saints do not believe in a "pre-tribulation rapture," but the Book of Mormon and other scriptures support the Biblical claim that the righteous will be caught up to meet the Savior when He comes in glory. [2] Belief that the authority to act in the name of God has been restored to the earth. Belief in the charismatic gifts of healing, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc., through the power of the restored priesthood. Belief that husbands and wives can be sealed through covenants made in temples , so that they can be married eternally. Belief that children can be sealed to their parents, yielding a chain of family relationships that can continue into the eternities; therefore, the belief that we are reunited with loved ones after death. As an appendage to this belief, Latter-day Saints engage in family history work to seek out their ancestors. Active proselyting by full-time volunteer missionaries .

During 2013 the number of Mormon missionaries surpassed 80,000, as the age of service for young members was lowered from 19 to 18 for young men, and 21 to 19 for young women. A dietary code called the Word of Wisdom , which requires abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and illegal drugs and encourages the use of grains, herbs, and fruits in season, as well as moderation in all things. Tithing (donating 10 percent of one's income to the church) Chastity , including abstinence from sexual relations outside of marriage, fidelity within marriage, modesty in dress and behavior, and avoidance of homosexual activity (homosexual marriages are neither performed nor supported by the Church). The Church also recommends that members avoid any form of media which glorifies violence, contains excessive vulgar language, or is pornographic in any way.

Lay (non-paid) leadership Family Home Evening (Families are encouraged to meet weekly for prayer, gospel instruction, family planning, and other enriching family activities, typically on Monday nights.) Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching (Members regularly visit one another in their homes to minister to others' needs and to share uplifting spiritual messages). Strong family values and lower divorce rates, as families are the central unit of sociality here and in the world to come. Morality. The Church emphasizes the moral standards taught by Jesus Christ, including personal honesty, integrity, and obedience to the laws of the lands in which they dwell. Opposing abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, where the health of the mother is at risk, or when the fetus is judged by competent medical authority unlikely to survive past birth. In such cases, the decision should only be made following sincere prayer—often with the help of a Priesthood leader—such that the Lord’s will be made known. Opposing gambling and other addictive behaviors. Encouraging self-reliance and preparedness. Latter-day Saints are encouraged to develop vocational, educational, and other skills, avoid debt, and to lay aside stores for possible emergencies.

A summary of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wikipedia's article on the Church Christian Church As the name of the Church implies, Latter-day Saints regard Jesus Christ as the head of their Church and count themselves as Christians , but do not consider themselves part of the Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant traditions. Rather, they believe the Church to be the restoration of the original church established by Jesus Christ on Earth. History See Mormon History for a full history of the Church. Church members believe that in the spring of 1820, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ , appeared to a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith in response to his prayer regarding which church he should join. Although this event is technically considered a visitation (as the Beings in question were actually present), it has come to be known as the First Vision . While conversing with the Father and the Son, Joseph was commanded to join none of the existing churches, and through other angelic visits was eventually called as the first prophet of the restored church. This event set in motion the events that led to the earthly restoration of the ancient Church of Jesus Christ with its truths and priesthood authority.

Ten years later, after a series of revelations and visitations to Joseph and others, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially organized by Joseph Smith and five associates on April 6, 1830, in Fayette, New York. Education Latter-day Saints believe that one of the most important aspects of life on earth is the opportunity for individuals to learn and grow. Accordingly, the Church strongly emphasizes education and subsidizes Brigham Young University , Brigham Young University-Idaho (formerly Ricks College), Brigham Young University-Hawaii , and LDS Business College . Brigham Young University is the largest private university in the United States and its various colleges rank highly among U.S. institutions of higher learning. BYU also has a campus in Jerusalem, Israel— The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies . The Church also has a seminary program for high school students and an Institute of Religion program for college-age Church members. All members twelve and above attend Sunday School classes, which emphasize personal scripture studies and other forms of education and self-improvement. There are over 391,000 high school students enrolled in seminary and over 352,000 college students enrolled in institute programs of religious study.

Mormons are among the most educated of Christians, and the best educated Mormons are the most engaged in church activity. A high percentage of LDS women have college degrees. The Church Educational System oversees many programs around the world. [3] CES sponsors primary schools and high schools in Mexico and the islands of the South Pacific. In addition, the Church sponsors a low-interest educational loan program known as the Perpetual Education Fund . This fund is designed to benefit young men and women from all parts of the world who have served a mission, returned to their homes, and need further education to become productive citizens in their respective countries. As they finish their education and enter the work force, they then are able to pay back the funds provided so that other individuals can attend both vocational technical schools and university. Family History Mormons are actively engaged in genealogical research to find their own family history. The Church sponsors a free data-base of millions of records mounted by LDS volunteers called Family Search.org . Anyone may use this resource. The Church of Jesus Christ had 4,689 family history centers in 2013 in 128 countries. These centers are open to the public and staffed by volunteers.

Computers on site are free to use, and instruction and guidance are provided. Philanthropy Through LDS Philanthropies , The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides relief all over the world for the poor, sick, and needy. The Church is often the first to arrive and last to leave when there is a major disaster. Relief supplies are prepared in advance by volunteers, so that they are ready to be shipped out at a moment's notice. The Church has given humanitarian material assistance valued at $705 million since 1985. The Perpetual Education Fund is part of LDS Philanthropies. To see a video describing the Church's humanitarian aid efforts, click here [4] and then click on humanitarian aid. Welfare The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has its own extensive welfare system. Members of the Church fast one day each month and donate the value of the missed meals to the Church. The Church produces some of its own food and supplies, and purchases others.

Supplies are available for the needy at a number of "Bishop's Storehouses." [5] The Church's Provident Living website A news release about "Welfare Square" LDS Family Services LDS Family Services provides psychological and emotional counseling, adoption services, and addiction recovery programs for members of the Church and sometimes for friends of other faiths. [6] Culture The Church sponsors the Mormon Tabernacle Choir [7] , one of the most respected choirs in the world. In 1999, under the direction of President Gordon B. Hinkley, the Church established the the Orchestra at Temple Square , which has become a nationally recognized symphony orchestra. Like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the orchestra is made up of talented volunteers. Also in 1999, the Temple Square Chorale was established. The chorale acts as an in-service program and training venue for the Tabernacle Choir. New members of the choir spend some months in the chorale. This enables the Choir to master extremely demanding vocal pieces. In March of 2005, the Church created the Bells on Temple Square under the auspices of the Tabernacle Choir.

The ensemble of twenty-eight musicians performs with hand bells and hand chimes. The radio program, Music and the Spoken Word has been presented live on Sunday mornings since July, 1929. It is the longest-running radio program in American history and is presented by KSL. The Church sponsors the Polynesian Cultural Center on the island of Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands. The PCC is a world famous cultural theme park, helping to preserve and showcase the cultures of the South Pacific Islands. The PCC is a non-profit institution, and helps to provide educational opportunities for students at the adjoining Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Since the Center opened in 1963, "nearly 17,000 students have financed their studies at BYU-Hawaii by working at PCC." [8] The Church maintains a number of historical sites, including restored venues at Nauvoo, Illinois , Kirtland, Ohio , and Palmyra, New York . The Church encourages Latter-day Saints to magnify their talents and contribute to the culture of the areas in which they live.

Church sponsors Rembrandt exhibit Buildings and Membership As of 2013, the Church had over 8,000 meeting houses for over 29,000 congregations, and over 140 temples worldwide. Landmark edifices located in Salt Lake City at or near "Temple Square" include the Salt Lake Temple, the Salt Lake Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, the Lion House, the Beehive House, two visitors' centers, the Church office building, the Family History Library, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the LDS Conference Center, and the Museum of Church History and Art. How Mormons Live and Worship Mormons tend to have large families, due to their beliefs. They strive for a clean, family-oriented lifestyle and participate in family councils, family and individual prayer, hard work, and wholesome recreational activities. Mormons worship on Sunday in Christian societies, but may meet on Friday in Moslem countries, and Saturday in Israel. They believe in keeping the Sabbath day holy and avoid shopping, recreating, or working on the Sabbath day. Sunday meetings usually last for three hours, divided into three types of meetings. "Sacrament meeting" consists of taking the sacrament in remembrance of the Savior.

Sermons are given mostly by lay members requested to speak before the congregation. The first Sunday of each month is usually "fast and testimony meeting," wherein the saints (who fast for two meals and donate "fast offerings" to the poor) spontaneously bear testimony to the truthfulness of the gospel and reality of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints address each other as "brother" or "sister" and then usually append the last name (such as Brother Smith, or Sister Young). Additionally, those that hold specific leadership positions may be addressed by their title and then their last name (such as President Hinckley). Some frequently-used titles are as follows: Bishop - The bishop of a ward, but not his counselors, is addressed by the title of "bishop". Generally, only the title is used—because bishops are confined to a small geographical location—the last name being used only to disambiguate. Elder - While most adult male Church members hold the office of Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood , in general only elders serving as full-time missionaries, members of the Quorums of the Seventy , or members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are addressed with this title.

Patriarch - A Patriarch is generally an older priesthood holder charged with providing blessings for individual members of the stake. President - In a ward, the Relief Society President and the Elder's Quorum President are referred to as "President So-and-So." Occasionally, other presidents within the ward, such as the Deacons Quorum President, may be referred to with this title.

In addition to the above presidencies, in a branch, the branch president and his counselors are referred to as "President So-and-So." All members of a stake presidency, a temple presidency, a mission presidency, the Presidency of the Seventy, and the First Presidency are referred to as "president." Official websites of the Church Church-friendly Web sites, unaffiliated with the Church WhyMormonism.org - answers to frequently asked questions about the Church About LDS - teachings, doctrines, and controversial topics of Mormonism About Mormonism - information about Mormon doctrine, missionaries, and Church organization BlackLDS.org - information specifically for black Latter-day Saints FAIR - Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research; faithful answers to critical questions Families Forever - information about Mormonism's teachings about families and other topics FARMS - Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (BYU) LDSFAQ at byu.edu - a comprehensive index answering many common questions.

Uses large portions of The Encyclopedia of Mormonism LDS Sunday School.org - website dedicated to helping any LDS teacher with their lessons LDS Today - news related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lightplanet: Mormons - over 3,000 pages covering Mormon beliefs, practices, culture, and history Meet Mormon Missionaries - information about Mormon missionaries and basic teachings of Mormonism Meridian Magazine - webzine for Latter-day Saints; updated every weekday Mormon Central - lists a number of LDS websites by topic Nauvoo.com - a gathering place for Latter-day Saints, including discussion forums, owned by Mormon author Orson Scott Card

Question: Members of the church of Latter-Day Saints are better known as what?
Answer: Mormons