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24 November 2009
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Mormons at a glance

Mormons at a glance

White walls and domes of a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, Utah

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded in 19th century America and has over 12 million members world-wide.

Mormonism has been present in the UK since 1837 and has currently 190,000 members.

  • The church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or The Church of Jesus Christ.
  • Mormons believe their church is a restoration of the Church as conceived by Jesus and that the other Christian churches have gone astray.
  • The church was founded by Joseph Smith (1805 – 1844).
  • It was then developed by Brigham Young who migrated with the new Mormons to Salt Lake City in 1847.
  • Mormons believe that God has a physical body, is married, and can have children.
  • They also believe that humans can become gods in the afterlife.
  • Mormons are strongly focused on traditional family life and values.
  • They oppose abortion, homosesxuality, unmarried sexual acts, pornography, gambling, tobacco, consuming alcohol, tea, coffee, and the use of drugs.
  • One of the more common misconceptions is that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints advocates polygamy. However, this was discontinued over a century ago and the Church excommunicates anyone who practices it.

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This page was last updated 2004-01-08

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