A Few Basic Facts About Mormons

I am revisiting an earlier post because I think it is important to correct any misconceptions as to who Mormons are. The following statements are largely taken from a post I made in July. I have made a few revisions and additions to clarify certain points.

To best understand the beliefs of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is important to know some basic facts about the Church and its members.

1. “Mormon” is a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are often referred to as “Mormons,” “Latter-day Saints,” or “LDS.” The term “Saint” means “member.” When Paul wrote to the members of the Church in the New Testament, he referred to them as "Saints." The use of "Latter-day Saints" in the name of the Church is to distinguish between the restored Church of Christ in modern times with Christ's original church in ancient times.

2. The Church was restored in 1830 in western New York with Joseph Smith as its first prophet and president. Most members of the Church, under the direction of Brigham Young, the second prophet and president of the Church, relocated to Utah in 1847 to escape persecution. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah with Thomas S. Monson as the present prophet and president of the Church. He is assisted by two counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Church in modern times has the same organization and authority as the Church in the time of Christ.

3. There are now over 13 million members in 176 countries and territories. About 6 million of these members are in the United States, making it the fourth largest Christian denomination in America.

4. Local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions. Every member is given a "calling" or a responsibility in the Church.

5. Members of the Church are encouraged to receive a good education. Members serve in high and trusted positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports, and entertainment. Mormons are also well-represented in politics and government (in the United States, 16 members of Congress, from both political parties, are practicing Mormons).

6. Certain aspects of Mormon practice include the paying of tithing (10 percent of a member’s income), the Word of Wisdom (health code that prohibits the use of tobacco and drugs and the drinking of alcohol, coffee, and tea), and the law of chastity (which proscribes abstinence before marriage and complete fidelity after marriage).

Taken from a General Conference address of the Church by Elder M. Russell Ballard in October 2007. For the full address, click here.