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Lds ChurchEdit

The Lds Church, officially The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a global religious movement that identifies itself as a restoration of the original church established by Jesus Christ in the early Christian era. It emphasizes family, service, missionary outreach, and a distinctive scriptural canon that includes the Bible alongside additional writings unique to the movement. With a worldwide network of congregations and temples, the church teaches that revelation continues to guide its leaders and that personal faith, discipline, and charitable works are avenues to spiritual progress.

History

Origins and early development The church traces its 1830 founding to Joseph Smith in upstate New York, where he and early followers reported visions and revelations that they believed restored the true gospel. The movement quickly organized under a centralized leadership structure and began publishing scriptures, establishing a community, and sending missionaries to spread its message. Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants became central to its doctrine, alongside the Bible and the Pearl of Great Price.

Migration and consolidation Facing opposition and violence in the Midwest, church communities migrated westward under leaders such as Brigham Young and established settlements in what would become Utah. During this period, the church developed distinctive temple practices and a lay clergy structure. The expansion included the growth of educational and welfare institutions to support members in frontier settings.

Polygamy, statehood, and modernization In the 19th century the church faced controversy over the practice of polygamy, which was publicly taught and practiced by some members before being officially discontinued in the 1890 Manifesto. The legalization of Utah as a U.S. territory and the eventual admission of Utah as a state were shaped in part by these tensions. In the 20th century the church sought broader civic integration, while maintaining a distinctive religious identity centered on family, worship, and missionary work.

Full priesthood for all worthy male members and global expansion A major turning point came in 1978, when the church announced a revelation extending priesthood eligibility to all worthy male members, including those of black descent, ending a long-standing policy that had limited access to priesthood. This change accelerated global growth and altered internal discussions about race, doctrine, and church governance. Subsequent statements and historical analyses have sought to clarify past teachings and emphasize a commitment to equality in principle, even as some critics argue that residue of earlier racism remains in cultural attitudes. Race and the priesthood and Disavowal of racist doctrines are frequently discussed in relation to this era.

Modern era and ongoing growth In recent decades the church has pursued a broader international presence, education, humanitarian aid, and social service programs while reinforcing doctrinal centers such as temples, seminaries, and church-run universities. The church also published The Family: A Proclamation to the World in 1995, outlining its views on marriage, gender roles, and the family as a foundational social unit. The Family: A Proclamation to the World The organization continues to balance global expansion with local governance through a system of stakes and wards and a hierarchy of leadership that includes the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Beliefs and practices

Canonical scriptures and doctrine Church members accept the Bible, along with additional canonical scriptures that are specific to their tradition, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These texts are believed to support a unified plan of salvation and a vision of human destiny that centers on faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and obedience to divine commandments. See also Scripture.

Core beliefs Key doctrines include the belief in Jesus Christ as the central figure of salvation, the concept of a living prophet and revelation through church leadership, and the idea that families can be sealed for eternity through temple ordinances. The church teaches an eternal plan in which individual agency, moral choices, and service to others shape personal progression. See also Plan of salvation and Jesus Christ.

Prayers, sacraments, and ordinances Worship includes weekly congregational meetings, prayers, and hymn-singing, along with sacred ordinances such as baptism for the remission of sins, confirmation, the endowment, and temple sealings. Tithing and offerings support church operations and charitable programs. The Word of Wisdom provides guidance on health and lifestyle choices. See also Baptism, Temple, Endowment, Tithing, and Word of Wisdom.

Family, virtue, and social teachings A strong emphasis on family life, personal virtue, and service underpins much of church policy and culture. The church positions itself as supporting traditional structures of marriage between a man and a woman and encourages involvement in family history work, education, and humanitarian relief. See also The Family: A Proclamation to the World and Marriage.

Church organization and education Church governance is hierarchical, with a prophet and a council of senior leaders at the top, followed by regional bodies and local congregations. The church operates a network of schools and universities, including major campuses such as Brigham Young University and other affiliated colleges. See also First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Culture and global reach Beyond worship, the church runs welfare programs, disaster relief, and community outreach that emphasize self-reliance, skills training, and charitable giving. It maintains a strong missionary program that sends young men and women, as well as other members, to teach and serve in diverse communities worldwide. See also Missionary and Church Welfare.

Controversies and debates

Race and priesthood The church’s historical policy restricting priesthood to men of certain racial backgrounds, particularly affecting black men, became a focal point of criticism from observers and scholars. The 1978 revelation changed formal policy, but debates about how past teachings should be interpreted continue. In recent years the church has published materials disavowing racial theories that once underpinned the priesthood ban and has emphasized race as a matter for individuals and culture rather than doctrine. See also Race and the priesthood and Disavowal of racist doctrines.

Polygamy The church’s early practice of polygamy drew hostility from outsiders and led to legal and political conflicts. The 1890 Manifesto halted the official practice in the church, though some fundamentalist groups continued alternative forms outside mainstream church structures. This history remains a point of reference in debates about religious liberty and the limits of religious practice. See also Polygamy.

LGBTQ issues and family policy The church opposes same-sex marriage and has maintained policies that have drawn criticism from supporters of broader civil liberties and LGBTQ rights. Critics argue that church policies constrain individual freedoms, while supporters argue that religious liberty is essential for the protection of faith communities and the autonomy of families to define their values. The discussion continues in the context of religious institutions navigating cultural change. See also Same-sex marriage and The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

Religious liberty and political engagement Supporters contend the church defends religious liberty and conscience rights in public life, arguing that faith communities should be free to organize around their beliefs without coercion. Critics may view church policy as imposing particular moral viewpoints on society. The balance between faith-based convictions and civic equality remains a live topic in policy debates. See also Religious freedom and Political influence of religion.

Handling of internal governance and transparency Like many large, long-standing institutions, the Lds Church faces scrutiny over governance practices, transparency of operations, and how it handles sensitive issues within local congregations. Proponents argue that centralized revelation and disciplined governance protect doctrinal integrity, while critics demand greater openness and accountability. See also Church governance.

See also