Basic Facts about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

[PapilioMemnon]

Some Basic Facts about the Church---------------------------------------------------

"Some facts [that] might [help others understand Latter-day Saints] include:

"First, 'Mormon' is a nickname for 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.'

"Second, the Church was restored in 1830 in upstate New York with Joseph Smith as its first prophet and president. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, with President Gordon B. Hinckley as the present prophet. [Current: President Thomas S. Monson - Pres. Hinckley died early this year]

"Third, there are now over 13 million members in 176 countries and territories. About 6 million of these are in the United States, making us the fourth largest Christian

denomination in America. As one of the fastest growing Christian faiths in the world, we complete a new chapel every working day. Members pay a tithe, which is 10 percent of their income, making this and other programs possible.

"Fourth, local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions.

"And fifth, Mormons are well represented in politics and government. . . . Members also serve in high and trusted positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports, and entertainment."

Topics: Church history, Church organization,

Church doctrine, knowledge

(M. Russell Ballard, "Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 25 26)

Those are simple facts about the Chuch.

Feel free to contribute with SIMPLE, BASIC facts / principles about the Church and our beliefs.

[inthearmsofsleep]

I saw this in one of the Daily Gems I subscribed to... thanks for sharing!

Remember, it's always best to give basic facts and tell people a little bit about the church when they ask for a little bit. Milk before meat!

[TheyCallMeMom]

is the 13 million members active only or all?

because it seems, at least in my area.... more than 1/2 of our members are inactive

[PapilioMemnon]

I believe in all.

I know what you're saying; in my ward, unfortunatley, we have the same thing happening...

[SundaeSarah]

That would include my brother who was baptized at 14 but hasn't been active for over 40 yrs.

[tammyi]

it happens any church you have members that are not active. But don't give up on them.

[RachelleDrew]

it happens any church you have members that are not active. But don't give up on them.

Agreed.

Active or inactive doesn't really matter. I'm sure millions of people call themselves Baptist or Catholic. How many of them actually attend services?