The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 and headquartered in Salt Lake City.
Note: this body describes itself as Christian but rejects the doctrine of the Trinity as defined by the Nicene Creed, so most Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches do not consider it part of historic creedal Christianity.
- U.S. size
- ≈ 6.9 million (U.S., church-reported) (Church statistical report, 2023 (approx))
- Founded
- 1830, New York
- Church government
- Hierarchical, led by a First Presidency and apostles
- Ordains women as pastors
- No (priesthood is men only)
- Official site / locator
- www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Core beliefs
| Topic | What they teach | Scripture they cite |
|---|---|---|
| Scripture & authority | The Bible 'as far as it is translated correctly', the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, plus continuing revelation through living prophets. | Articles of Faith 8-9 |
| Salvation | Through Christ's Atonement, with faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and temple ordinances. | Articles of Faith 3-4 |
| Baptism | Immersion at age 8 or older by priesthood authority. Proxy baptism for the dead. | 1 Cor 15:29 (as they read it) |
| Lord's Supper | The weekly sacrament of bread and water, in remembrance. | Luke 22:19 |
| Worship | Sacrament meeting led by a lay ministry. Temple worship is separate. | — |
| Mary & saints | Mary is honored as the mother of Jesus. All members are called 'saints'. | — |
| Spiritual gifts | The gifts are taught as active today. | Articles of Faith 7 |
About these numbers: figures are approximate and come from each body's own most recent report or the National Council of Churches' Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches. Bodies count members differently (baptized, confirmed, adherents, publishers), and some historically Black denominations have not published new figures in years. See also the Pew Religious Landscape Study and the ARDA. Belief summaries are our own short descriptions. Please read each church's own confession.