History

Mormonism is a Christianity-based faith that was established in  America in the 19th century by Joseph Smith, and later developed into the religion we know today by Brigham Young.  Today it has almost twelve million followers  worldwide, and almost 200,000 in the UK.  It is one of the world's fastest growing religions.

While the religion has Christ as its centre, there are significant differences to older Christian faiths such as Catholicism, or with other protestant faiths.

Individual members of the faith are referred to as Mormons, but the church itself is properly called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or The Church of Jesus Christ, not "the Mormon Church".

Beliefs

Essentially, Mormons believe that they embody the Christian faith as it was intended to be by Christ, and that other Christian churches have strayed from the true path since the time of the Apostles.

Mormons believe that their founder was a prophet who brought a revelation from God to the people, and that God is a corporeal entity who is married and able to have children.

Family life and values are a central focus for the religion, and members of the faith tithe one tenth of their income to the church.

They have four holy books.

Mormons oppose abortion, homosexuality, unmarried sexual acts, pornography, gambling, tobacco, consuming alcohol, tea, coffee, and the use of drugs.

Mormons believe in equality between the sexes, but that there are clearly defined roles which each shoulfd fulfill.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a missionary faith, and all young men are encouraged to become missionaries.

Ordinary worship is informal and communal, not involving priests or ceremony.  Worship at the Temple is more elaborate, and there are rules governing who can enter.

Mormons do not believe that they are the only people inspired by God, and they also believe in salvation after death, so are therefore tolerant of other religions.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is widely regarded as a polygamous faith, but in reality this is quite rare in the modern religion.

Locally

PO Box 154, Burnley

Telephone: 01282 412748

Links

The official Mormon website is at http://www.lds.org