The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often abbreviated as LDS Church or LDS) is a worldwide Christian religious organization founded in the early 19th century. With its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Church identifies itself as a restorationist denomination, adapting original Christian teachings and practices.
Members of the LDS Church, commonly referred to as Mormons, believe that their faith represents a restoration of the original church established by Jesus Christ in the first century AD. They believe that God, through angelic visitations to their founder Joseph Smith, restored the true gospel, priesthood authority, and church organization. They consider the Book of Mormon, translated by Smith, to be another biblical testament affirming Jesus’s divinity and his visitation to the ancient Americas.
The Church is known for its distinctive beliefs and practices, such as baptism for the dead, a lay clergy, and temple rituals. Members are encouraged to live by a strict code of ethics that includes strict adherence to moral values, self-sufficiency, and service to others. They attend regular worship services at local congregations called wards and branches, and central teachings revolve around faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and the pursuit of eternal salvation.
With millions of members worldwide, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a significant impact on both the individual lives of its adherents and the broader religious landscape.
