Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A historical and descriptive introduction. Local practice varies; the examples below are not a judgment of a community’s faithfulness.

When and how it began

Joseph Smith and associates organized the church on April 6, 1830. Members understand this as a restoration of Christ’s church through revelation. The organizational event is historical; the claimed revelation is a religious belief.

Beliefs and practices

The Bible, Book of Mormon, additional scriptures, priesthood ordinances, and continuing revelation shape faith. Members affirm Jesus Christ as Savior but understand the Godhead differently from the Nicene Trinity.

A typical worship service

Sunday sacrament meetings include hymns, prayer, bread and water, and talks by members. Classes provide further instruction.

What the worship space looks like

Local meetinghouses have chapels and classrooms. Temples serve different purposes and access conditions; they are not the usual setting for public Sunday worship.

Branches and differences

This entry concerns the largest Latter-day Saint body, not every movement descended from Joseph Smith. It identifies as Christian; its doctrine differs significantly from Catholic, Orthodox, and historic Protestant creeds.

Sources & further reading

Historical overviews support the account of origins. Official church documents describe the community’s own beliefs and practice.

Reviewed September 24, 2026. Broad family descriptions do not settle local policies or every contested point of history.