The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the LDS Church or simply the Mormon Church, is a Christian denomination that originated in the early 19th century in the United States. Founded by Joseph Smith Jr. in 1830, the church claims to be a restoration of the original church established by Jesus Christ during his mortal ministry.
Latter-day Saints believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet chosen by God to restore the true gospel and priesthood authority that had been lost over time. They view the Book of Mormon, which Smith translated from golden plates, as another testament of Jesus Christ and an additional scripture alongside the Bible.
The teachings of the LDS Church revolve around faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. They emphasize the importance of families, personal revelation, and following the commandments of God. The church also places a strong emphasis on community, service, and missionary work.
Latter-day Saints actively participate in weekly worship services, which include sacrament meetings, Sunday School classes, and various auxiliary organizations. They also participate in temple worship, which they believe provides sacred ordinances necessary for salvation and eternal families.
The LDS Church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has a hierarchical structure with a president who is considered a prophet, seer, and revelator. The church has a significant global presence with millions of members worldwide and is known for its strong sense of community, family values, and missionary efforts.
