The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the LDS Church or Mormon Church, is a global Christian denomination with a rich history and a diverse array of services and programs. Founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York, the church has grown to become one of the largest Christian denominations worldwide, with over 17.5 million members as of 2024.

Core Beliefs and Scriptures

Central to the church's teachings is the belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. Members adhere to the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as sacred scriptures.

These texts collectively provide guidance on faith, repentance, baptism, and the pursuit of a Christlike life.

Worship Services

Congregational worship is held in meetinghouses, which are open to the public and often host community events. Services typically include hymns, prayers, and sermons, with the central focus being the sacrament—a ritual similar to communion—where members partake of bread and water to remember Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

Sunday services also feature classes for children, youth, and adults, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.

Temples and Sacred Ordinances

Distinct from meetinghouses, temples are considered sacred spaces where members participate in special ordinances, including eternal marriages and proxy baptisms for deceased ancestors. These ordinances are believed to strengthen family bonds and provide opportunities for all of God's children to receive essential teachings and covenants.

As of April 2025, the church has 367 temples worldwide, with ongoing construction and dedication of new temples to meet the needs of its growing membership.

Community and Humanitarian Efforts

The church is committed to humanitarian service, providing aid in response to natural disasters, supporting educational initiatives, and promoting self-reliance programs.

For instance, in Montenegro, the church donated state-of-the-art mammography systems to medical facilities to aid in early detection of breast cancer, addressing a significant health concern in the region.

Global Presence

With congregations in over 190 countries, the church's global presence is substantial.

Major centers in the United States include:

• Salt Lake City, Utah, serving as the headquarters
• Provo, Utah, home to Brigham Young University

Internationally, cities like Johannesburg, South Africa, host active congregations, reflecting the church's diverse and widespread membership.

Locations

• Salt Lake City, UT, USA
• Salt Lake City, UT, USA (additional sites)
• Provo, UT, USA

In summary, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers a comprehensive religious framework centered on faith in Jesus Christ, community worship, sacred ordinances, and global humanitarian service, all aimed at fostering spiritual growth and service to others.