The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest church in the Latter-day Saint movement and a worldwide restorationist Christian church.

It was organised in 1830 under Joseph Smith. After the succession crisis following Smith’s death, the body led by Brigham Young became the largest stream and developed its principal centre in Utah while becoming global.

It teaches faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, confirmation for the gift of the Holy Ghost, continuing revelation, and additional scripture alongside the Bible: the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. Its understanding of the Godhead, priesthood, exaltation, temples, and eternal family sealing differs from historic Nicene formulations.

Weekly worship occurs in meetinghouses and includes the sacrament, prayer, hymns, teaching, and lay participation. Temples are distinct sacred spaces for ordinances including endowment and sealing; access follows the church’s own standards.

A President of the Church, regarded as prophet, seer, and revelator, presides with apostles and other general authorities. Congregations are organised into wards and stakes with extensive lay leadership.