The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is as a Church revealed through a modern prophet, Joseph Smith , after he witnessed a series of spiritual manifestations, such as First vision .
The terms holy and days are used in the New Testament 1 . The word holy means the disciples marked days distinguishes the members of this church and those of the early church. The Latter-day Saints are commonly nicknamed Mormons and their faith designated by the name of Mormonism .
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims to be led by Jesus Christ , through a prophet living, currently Thomas S. Monson , 16 th President of the Church , and twelve apostles and sees itself as the restoration of the church ‘s original Jesus Christ after a long period of apostasy and in preparation for the Second Coming . According to his doctrine, the Church provides the organization and resources needed to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all without exception. It brings the authority of the priesthood which allows to perform the sacraments and ordinances of salvation for all who are worthy and willing to receive them.
The Latter-day Saints believe in the Bible , to the extent that it is translated credit card offers correctly, and in other writings, regarded as complementary to the Bible, the Book of Mormon . This work was presented by Joseph Smith denver injury attorney as the translation of plates old, found in his opinion the Hill Cumorah . He retrace 1,000 years of history of Lehi , a prophet original Jewish , fleeing by sea with his family just before the destruction of Jerusalem , and his descendants, the Nephites and Lamanites , peoples of ancient America . The highlight of this book is the visit that Jesus Christ would have made ​​the people of the Nephites three days after his crucifixion.
They also believe in a salvation plan , allowing men and women worthy to attain the exalted , that is to say, coming into the presence of God. The notion of family plays a prominent role: the Latter-day Saints believe that the family can be eternal through the sacraments celebrated in a temple of the Church.
The Church is characterized by the construction of temples (as distinct from churches ) to be the Lord’s house and seen by Latter-day Saints as the holiest place on earth and as the complete fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi 2 . The temple of Rome 3 , under construction in 2011, will be the 12 th temple in Europe, the first being the temple of Switzerland , built in 1953. In January 2012, the City of Chesapeake (France, Yvelines) has granted a building permit for édicfication of a temple on its territory, but many controversies have arisen and a lawsuit was filed by residents’ associations . A court ruling is expected.
The Church is recognized as a religion . Although considered cult by the association UNADFI , in France, it is not described as a sect by the Mission for the Fight against Sects (MILS) and MIVILUDES , nor in the French parliamentary report on sects, nor by Jean Vernette , national secretary of the French episcopate for the study of sects and new religious movements for the Catholic Church of France 4 , or by Odon Vallet , a French scholar of religions 5 .
The Church is criticized because of the polygamy (plural marriage) practiced in xix th century and abolished in 1889, for not having ordered the black men members of the Church in the priesthood prior to 1970 and its perception of ‘ homosexuality .
Other movements from Mormonism are sometimes erroneously equated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Name of the Church

The Church has been called the first Church of Christ, its members saw in it the restored Church of Jesus Christ . In 1830 , it is called Church of Latter Day Saints, ‘saints’ meaning ‘disciples’ and ‘days’ to distinguish it from that established by Christ in the early days. Finally, in 1838 Joseph Smith gives it its current name: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The name of the members of the Church is “Latter-day Saints,” which in English is abbreviated LDS (Latter-day Saints).
The nickname ‘Mormon’ tolerated by members of the Church has its origins in the name of a historical figure from the Book of Mormon. In this book, is a Mormon prophet, a military general, and a keeper of history who lived around 311-385 AD in the Americas. He would have held extensive historical and spiritual annals of his people who lived in the Americas, adding the story of his own life. It would have compiled and abridged stories of previous prophets, engraved on gold plates, giving its name to the Book of Mormon and the nickname to the Church and its members.
Perspective on Jesus Christ

Reproduction of the statue of the risen Christ of Bertel Thorvaldsen , Temple Square , Salt Lake City .
Christ (Christos in Greek) and Messiah (Hebrew) means ” anointed . ” The Latter-day Saints affirm that Jesus Christ is the Firstborn of the Father in spirit and the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. It would be Jehovah 6 , foreordained to this great call before the creation of the world. Under the direction office computer chairs of the Father, he would have created the earth and everything therein. Born of Mary in Bethlehem , he would have led a sinless life and performed the Atonement perfect for the sins of all mankind by shedding His blood and giving his life on the cross. It would be raised from the dead, thus guaranteeing the resurrection of all mankind final. By his atonement and resurrection, those who repent of their sins and obey the commandments of God might live eternally with Jesus and the Father. The Latter-day Saints affirm that Jesus Christ is the greatest being that is born, his life is a perfect example of how humanity should live. They believe all the prayers, blessings and sacraments of the priesthood must be done in its name. They believe that Jesus Christ, Creator, Saviour and God of all the earth, will return in power and glory to reign on earth during the millennium and at last, he will judge the whole of humanity 7
The 1 st January 2000, the First Presidency issued a statement entitled The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles

Moroni statue, Temple Zollikofen, Bern.
Symbols

The Christian cross is not used as a symbol, the Latter-day Saints preferring the idea of Christ risen and alive, which, according to their belief, is the current reality. In the churches are not crosses, statues or icons of any kind.
The symbol is used as the angel Moroni , proclaiming the everlasting gospel to the inhabitants of the earth (cf. Apocalypse 14:6). A statue of an angel blowing a trumpet decorates the spire of many temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 8 .
History

Visitations

First Vision of Joseph Smith .
Main article: Joseph Smith .
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that their Church was restored by Jesus of Nazareth himself, through a prophet, and it was organized as the Church primitive, that of the New Testament , after a period of 18 centuries of change and loss called the Great Apostasy .
God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ
Main article: First Vision .
According to him, Joseph Smith , then aged 14, would have prayed in a grove near his home in 1820 , to know which church he should join. He said that two characters appeared to him: God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ . He adds that Jesus Christ told him then that the true Church had been transformed and lost by men, and that if he remained faithful, it would be later than that it would be restored by 9 .
Moroni
Joseph Smith says that three years later, in September 1823, paintball he was visited by an ancient prophet named Moroni who revealed the location of the Scriptures ( Hill Cumorah ), written in Egyptian reformed on sheets and metal TODAY ‘ Today published under the title of Book of Mormon . According to Joseph Smith, these writings were the work of prophets original Jewish who lived on the American continent between 600 BC. AD and 420 AD. AD

Portrait of Joseph Smith’s 1842 (author unknown).
Pierre, Jacques and Jean
Joseph Smith also said that his secretary Oliver Cowdery and himself, working in 1829 to translate the Book of Mormon, there lurent the story of the visit of the Messiah to the people of ancient America and its teachings on baptism. According to their story, May 15, they went to pray on the banks of the Susquehanna River , near the house of Joseph in Harmony. They say that a heavenly being appeared to them, identifying himself as John the Baptist ; this character conferred upon them the priesthood of Aaron and commanded them to baptize each other and to order. They say that later in the month, the ancient Apostles Peter , Jacques and Jean also appeared to them and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordained apostles .
Moses, Elias, and Elijah
March 27, 1836, Joseph Smith dedicated the Kirtland Temple . Joseph Smith said that a week later, April 3, 1836, Jesus Christ appeared to him and Oliver Cowdery in the temple, saying: “I have accepted this house, and my name will be here and reveal myself with my people in mercy in this house “(Doctrine and Covenants 110:7). He added that three messengers of the era of the Old Testament , Moses , Elias, and Elijah, also appeared and restored the keys and the authority of the priesthood that had been lost for a long time on earth. Still according to Joseph Smith the authority to gather Israel from the ends of the earth and to seal families together for time and eternity were restored ( Doctrine and Covenants C 110:11-16).
Pioneer days

Destruction of the Nauvoo Temple by CCA Christensen

Mormon pioneers in 1847
Exodus of pioneers
Main article: Mormon Pioneers .
From the foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830, its members were often harshly treated and persecuted by their neighbors, mainly because of their social and political unity and religious beliefs. Were acts of violence against the Church, its members and its leader, Joseph Smith , which, among other reasons, was forced to move from one place to another: Ohio , Missouri , then Illinois , where members of the church built the city of Nauvoo and the temple.
In 1838, the Governor of Missouri, Lilburn Boggs issued the extermination order against all Mormons who lived in the state leading to the massacre at Haun’s Mill . In 1844 occurred the murder of Joseph Smith, killed by a mob in the town of Carthage , Illinois. In 1846, tensions reached their peak and, in 1848, the mob burned the Nauvoo Temple.
The first Mormon pioneers, driven from Nauvoo in Illinois (USA) 10 during the winter 1845-1846, and suffered an exodus began on foot or by carriage, under the leadership of Brigham Young , successor to Joseph Smith, the trip more than 2,000 miles that led to the valley of Great Salt Lake , a place completely deserted in the Rocky Mountains , located in the existing state of Utah , where they settled permanently from 1847 .
Between 1847 and 1860 (date of completion of the transcontinental railroad), 86,000 pioneers car insurance comparison traveled in the valley of Great Salt Lake . 6000 of them died during the voyage. The first settlers were Americans, and tens of thousands of Europeans, Britons , Germans , Scandinavians , French , Swiss , etc.. crossed the Atlantic to get to Salt Lake City where, under the leadership of Brigham Young, they prospered.
A French, Louis Auguste Bertrand , editor of the newspaper Le Populaire and Icarian Communist free iPhone 4 tells his conversion in 1850 and his experience of crossing the plains in Memoirs of a Mormon 11 .
Plural marriage
Main article: plural Marriage (Mormonism) .
Plural marriage was the name given by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to practice a type of polygamy (the polygyny ) by some of its members, until 1889 . With the permission of the President of the Church, the plural marriages were celebrated only in the early temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . Only women and members of the Church only men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood had access to marriage in these temples. According to Mormon doctrine, plural marriage restored the biblical practice of the plurality of wives, and was willed by God, in a given time, to increase his people.
The percentage of polygamous Mormons varied places and times. After the institutionalization of the practice by Brigham Young to his suspension from 20 to 40% of men entered such plural marriages, while the percentage of polygamous women was 10-15% virility ex higher (sometimes exceeding the number that monogamous women in Utah ) 12 .
April 7, 1889, Wilford Woodruff , 4 th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ended the practice of plural marriage.
Today, the moral code defined by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the law of chastity mean abstinence from sexual intercourse before marriage and fidelity and loyalty to his total unique legal spouse during marriage.
Minorities, located in the United States, now practicing polygamy, prohibited by the law of that country, as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , born in the United States in the early xx th century , which considers that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was wrong to terminate in 1889, are not recognized as a Mormon by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 13 .
Modern Times
During the xx th century, the Church has made ​​considerable progress and has become an international organization, this due in part to growth in the number of missionaries in the world. In 2000, the church had 60,784 missionaries 14 and the number of Church members around the world amounted to just over 11 million 14 . In 2007, it exceeded 13 million 15 and reached 14 million in July 2010, with about six million people living in the United States 16 . The Church warns against the overemphasis on growth statistics in comparison with other churches, because the relevance factors, including rates and mortality rates, the methodology used for recording or the membership count, factors constituting the membership, and geographical variations are rarely taken into account in comparisons 17 .
The Church has become a recognized and influential leader in protecting the family unit and has sometimes played a leading role in politics, including as regards the opposition to MX Peacekeeper missiles based in Utah and Nevada 18 , the opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment 19 , the opposition to the legalization of gambling 20 , opposition to gay marriage 21 , and opposition to the legalization of assisted death by a doctor 22 .
Apart from topics considered moral issues, the church usually maintains a position of political neutrality 23
A number of formal changes were made ​​to the organization during the modern era. An important change was the ordination of black men to the priesthood since 1978, reversing a policy originally introduced by Brigham Young in 1852, 24 periodic variations of the structure and organization of the Church, are held primarily to meet the international growth of the organization. For example, since the early 1900s, the Church has established a program of coordination of the Priesthood in order to centralize operations of the church and place them in a hierarchy of priesthood leaders. During the Great Depression , the Church has also established a social protection system of the Church, and has conducted numerous humanitarian actions in cooperation with other religious organizations.
In Francophonie
France metropolitan
Main article: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France .
xix th century :
John Taylor , who later became the third President of the Church happens on June 18th 1850 at the seaport of Boulogne-sur-Mer on the Steamer Emerald with his two colleagues Curtis Bolton and William Howells. It is received by the mayor of Boulogne-sur-Mer, L. Fontaine and obtained permission to preach. Political instability creates frequent crises that hinder the work of early missionaries .
xx th century :
In 1912 , the French mission was formally organized. The First World War requires all missionaries to evacuate the territory, and the mission is closed on August 30 1914 . It will again be open five years after the armistice of 1918 .
In 1939 , following the declaration of war, the missionaries were ordered to return to their consulate in the United States. One holder of the Melchizedek Priesthood then exercises his priesthood in France: Leon Fargier of Valencia . Paris , Lyon , Grenoble , Saint-Diez, Besançon , Montpellier , St Etienne , Valence , Tarbes , Nimes and Saint-Florent are cities where members are not held since without priesthood. Throughout this period of World War II , and despite warnings from the Vichy government, he visits them every two months and it has to cross the area occupied by the Germans 25 . Its activity attracts the attention of the mainstream press. Monday 1 st July 1941 , Paris-Soir front-page headline: “Mr. Fargier, one shepherd Mormon of the free zone has named his fifteen flock in the local pool of Grenoble. » 26
In 1946 , after the war, local units are reorganized. Leon became president Fargier district for all of France until 1950 when the district was reorganized Lyon.
In 1955 , the Tabernacle Choir toured Europe and performed at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris. At the time, there are about 1,500 Church members throughout the country. The temple of the Church is built in Switzerland, the first temple built outside the United States.
In 1965 , building the first house of worship in France will be completed in Bordeaux .
xxi th century
In 2009 , there would be more than 34 000 members and 100 places of worship in France.
French Polynesia
Main article: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in French Polynesia .
In 1842, proclaiming religious freedom for Catholics, the French and Queen Pomare IV proclaimed religious freedom for all 27 . In 1843, Joseph Smith called missionaries to visit the islands of the Pacific . This was the first time that the church turned to a foreign language and culture. They clung to their mission for nine years and more. On July 29, 1844 was organized branch of Tubuai of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the first in the Pacific. After ten months, Addison Pratt wrote to Brigham Young : “The Lord has greatly blessed my feeble efforts to spread the Gospel. I baptized fifty-seven people on this island … Among them, there is the queen … a viceroy, his wife and daughter … Head Chef and his wife … and several junior leaders … ”
The 1 st May 1845, Benjamin F. Grouard landed on the island of Anaa . On September 24, 1846, ten branches of the Church were represented with a total of 866 souls “honorably known.”
The departure of Addison Pratt and his companions marked the end of the first period in the history of the Church in French Polynesia and ushered in a period characterized by the efforts of local leaders to preserve the organization and the teachings of the Church. During a period of violent religious persecution, the organization branches and forms of worship were preserved until the arrival of missionaries from Utah in 1892.
File: Papeete Tahiti temple.jpg
Tahiti Temple
The mission of the Society Islands, reopened in 1892, included the inhabitants of six island groups, the Society Islands , the Austral Islands , the Tuamotus , the Marquesas Islands , the Gambier Islands and Cook Islands . As of December 31, 1895, there were 984 Latter-day Saints in the islands and the beginning of the century, about 1000. In a population of 429 souls in Tubuai , 159 were of Latter-day Saints. Of a total population of 4,743 souls in the Tuamotu , 905 were members of the Church, the fifth of the population of the islands.
At December 31, 1993, the population of the Church in French Polynesia was 11,644 members enrolled in the registers.
With government approval, May 25, 1963 was given the first sod for the construction of the elementary primary school of the Church in Papeete . In 1983, Gordon B. Hinckley , President of the Church, dedicated the temple of Tahiti 28 .
Quebec
Joseph Smith has done missionary work in French Canada in Ontario . Soon after, some missionaries visited Montreal during the 1830s. For some reasons, probably including the strong devotion of the French-Canadian Catholicism, the missionaries have not been very successful among the Francophone population. Despite that, Hazden Aldrich and Winslow Farr have called a few people in the township of Stansted in 1836. These people went with the other members of the Church in the United States 29 .
The Canadian mission was established in 1919. In 1930, an English-speaking congregation was established in Montreal. In 1961, Thomas S. Monson as President of the Canadian mission sent six missionaries francophone Quebec . In 1971 a mission was established. In 2000, the temple of Montreal Quebec opened in Longueuil 30 .
Switzerland
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The Church is established in Switzerland since 1851. In 2010, Switzerland has 35 parishes serving 6,000 members.
Standard works

One aspect of the Mormon doctrine that distinguishes Latter-day Saints from other Christian denominations is the belief in the Holy Scriptures complementary to the Bible, bringing to four the number of books considered canonical and leading the Saints days, and daily personal study, to gain a testimony of their personal spiritual truth:
Bible
Mormons believe that the Bible is the word of God insofar as it is translated correctly (the eighth article of faith ). The Bible, that is to say the Old Testament and New Testament , is a cornerstone of the Mormon faith.

The Book of Mormon
Book of Mormon
Main article: Book of Mormon .
The Book of Mormon is a book written by Joseph Smith , published in 1830 , and presenting himself as the translation of plates that would have been delivered by an angel. The book relaterait, 600 years before Christ to 421 years after Christ, the life and history of two peoples of ancient America, the Nephites and Lamanites . The book takes its name from one of his characters, the prophet Mormon, who lived from about 311 to 385 AD. The latter would have collected the annals of his predecessors into a religious and historical compilation. This is in reference to this book that used the terms “Mormon” and “Mormonism”.
Joseph Smith claimed to have translated the document using the Urim and Thummim . He said it 100 day loans was instruments that were common among the prophets of the Old Testament (referring to Ezra 2:63 ) and who were with the plates. The Church considers the book as historically authentic and says it is possible to obtain the testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon through prayer. This book gives the Mormons the “cornerstone of [their] religion” 31 .
Historians reject the supernatural aspects of the story of Joseph Smith and feel that it has written the book himself, alone or associated with better educated, probably using other books. They reject the historical veracity of the Book of Mormon anachronisms highlighting inconsistencies in the story.
Doctrine and Covenants
In the Bible and the Book of Mormon, are added the Doctrine and Covenants which, according to Mormon doctrine, are the canonical Scriptures of modern composition, from modern prophets for the establishment and government of the Church.

Thumbnail 4 of Papyrus Joseph Smith
Pearl of Great Price
The Pearl of Great Price is a selection of texts on many aspects of faith and doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These texts are:
the Book of Moses (taken from the Genesis version of Joseph Smith),
the Book of Abraham , presented as the translation by Joseph Smith, of papyrus Egyptian he obtained in 1835
Joseph Smith-Matthew , taken from the Gospel of Matthew, according to the version of the Bible by Joseph Smith ,
Joseph Smith-History , taken from the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that Joseph Smith wrote in 1838
the Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , who are thirteen statements of faith and doctrine.
The Pearl of Great Price was named after the New Testament, which compares the kingdom of heaven to a “pearl of great price” ( Mt 13:45-46 13 ).
Theology

Theology of Mormonism is called Gospel of Jesus Christ . It is based on scripture and modern revelation through the prophets. This doctrine was revealed by Jesus Christ as a system of laws and ordinances such as eternal person who complies with it fully would have the assurance of being able to enter God’s presence. These laws and ordinances would be the system of government of the kingdom of God. Under the doctrine, all will be saved in a kingdom of glory but not all in the celestial kingdom.
Main article: Theology of Mormonism .
The salvation plan means the plan which God carries the immortality and eternal life of man:

The 10 Commandments

Mormon baptism (by immersion) in 1850
Premortal life with God : for Latter-day Saints, all human beings have chosen in the premortal life to come to earth and are here on earth to experience life in a body of flesh and bone and to develop the Christian virtues before returning in the presence of God.
Leave the presence of God : The Fall of Adam and Eve was a necessary step in the birth of the Father’s spirit children. Without the step of the Fall , Adam and Eve would not have had seed, and would not have known good and evil or later eternal life (2 Nephi 2:22-25).
Communicating with God : according to doctrine, prayer , the teachings of prophets and scripture study are the means of communicating with God.
Jesus Christ : The focus of Mormon theology is Jesus Christ : his birth, his life, his atoning sacrifice and resurrection . The establishment has the Fall which required atonement of Jesus Christ. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is considered the most important event car loans in the history of mankind. Because he led a perfect life, Christ was qualified to give his life a ransom for the sins of humanity. The Atonement allows faith in Christ and his salvation.
Covenants with God : the faith , the repentance , the baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit by laying on of hands, and persevering obedience to the commandments until the end are necessary for salvation . The sacrament , held each Sunday, can renew the covenants made ​​at baptism.
The perfecting of the saints : the day observance of the Sabbath , the law of chastity (abstinence before marriage and fidelity during) the payment of tithes , the fasting , work and personal responsibility, the Word of Wisdom (refrain tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea, drugs), the missionary work , obeying the commandments designed to develop in the Christian virtues
The Eternal Family : Achieving the exaltation or the continuity of life, requires first having received the sacrament of eternal marriage in the temple . Thus the LDS couples are married or “sealed” for eternity and that children are “sealed” to their parents.
The temple work and genealogy : According to the doctrine, the Gospel is taught to the dead in the spirit world where, with their free will , they can accept or reject the sacraments performed for them in this life 32 . These sacraments, the work of salvation for the dead , are performed by proxy in temples by members of the Church considered worthy. The Latter-day Saints are researching genealogy to find out the names and birth dates of their ancestors so that the saving ordinances ( baptism , confirmation , ordination , staffing, marriage , sealing to parents and children) are performed for them.
Life after death :
The spirit world is post-land where waits the spirit of man between death and resurrection . It has two distinct parts or separate states: paradise, where receipts are those who have accepted the Gospel , and the spirit prison, where receipts are those who do not obey the gospel or who have not accepted while they were on earth or who have not had a chance to hear it. The Gospel is taught in the spirit prison and those who accept the sacrament of baptism celebrated in their favor in the temples are in paradise. These sacraments, the work of salvation for the dead , are performed by proxy.
The resurrection universal resurrection of all human beings before it is brought before God for judgment .
The final judgment where it will be taken into account the whole person judged (knowledge, actions, words, thoughts, desires, repentance).
The awarding of a degree of glory : the judgment is assigned to each according to his choice in mortality and in the hereafter, one of three degrees of glory: telestial , terrestrial or celestial .
Structure [ change ]

Administrative buildings of the Church in Salt Lake City
There are four levels of government in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: the general level, the regional level, local and family level. At the general level are the officers and general offices and some staff. The regional level is for the administration only. At the local level are in areas where members of the church are many, the stakes (dioceses) and parishes, and in areas where they are less numerous, missions, districts and branches. At the family level, each financial assistance family member has its own responsibilities.
General level
A council of three men composed the First Presidency , who chairs the Church worldwide. It comprises the President of the Church and his two counselors. The First Presidency is assisted by a panel of twelve men, twelve apostles , who form a panel of travelers who run the establishment and growth of the Church worldwide.
In April 2008, at the 178 th General Conference Annual Church, Thomas S. Monson was sustained as the 16 th President of the Church . His counselors in the First Presidency are Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf . In 2009, the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are: Boyd K. Packer , L. Tom Perry , Russell M. Nelson , Dallin H. Oaks , Russell Ballard , Richard G. Scott , Robert D. Hales , Jeffrey R. Holland , David A. Bednar , Quentin L. Cook , D. Todd Christofferson , and Neil L. Andersen
Main article: List of Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .

Thomas S. Monson , president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
After the death of a President of the Church automatically becomes the new President who, among the Twelve Apostles, is the oldest in this appeal. Colleges of seventy (eight in number in late 2007) and the Presiding Bishopric complete the organization of general officers of the Church. The seventy have the responsibility to preach the Gospel. A Presiding Bishopric, made ​​up of three men deals with the temporal affairs of the Church. Helped architects, landscape experts, engineers and other specialists, they manage the buildings around the world and other constructions. They also manage the program Humanitarian of the Church. Members of the Presiding Bishopric are also the leaders of the Aaronic Priesthood . As such they supervise tens of thousands of college boys and young men ordained to the priesthood. Members of the First Presidency , the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles , the Presidents Life Insurance Quotes of the Seventy, the first two colleges of the Seventy and the Presiding Bishopric up the group of General Authorities of the Church. General Authorities (numbering a hundred) working full time for the Church and what they get from him is named differently in different sources: the Church speaks of a “maintenance allowance 33 “when other sources refer to a “pay 34 “and” benefits 35 “or a” pay 36 . ” In addition to general officers, there are general offices at the head of the auxiliary organizations and programs of the Church. These offices oversee the work of organizations and programs at the whole Church. Added to these few specialists and a team of employees who are employed by the church ..
Regional level
For administration only, the Church is divided into thirty regions in the world. Leaders of the Church experienced, called the Seventy are designated to oversee the activities of the Church in these regions. France is one of the Region of Europe.
Local
Piles : one pile includes several parishes and is chaired by three men, the president and two counselors. They are assisted, too, by a council of twelve men, members of the general council of the pile. The office oversees the work of stake auxiliary organizations of the parishes of the pile. This office consists of a sample of instructors and administrators of the various parishes. During their visits to the parishes, they form the parish officers.

Church -Wieblingen Heidelberg (Germany)
Parishes : The local unit of the organization of the Church is the parish that can reach several hundred people. The authority that operates the parish is Bishops, composed of three men, a bishop and his two counselors, and aided by a set of officers and instructors. It is at the parish level that are trained in colleges priesthood. Each priesthood quorum is headed by a president and two counselors, assisted by a secretary. Each auxiliary organization is headed by a three-person presidency, and provided with a secretary, a director of music, an organist and a group of instructors. The bishop has responsibilities similar to those pastors or priests of other churches. It prepares and conducts worship services, blesses the sick, to ensure that aid is given to the needy, directs funerals, etc.. However, he exercises his priesthood on a voluntary and temporary, in addition to his work and family responsibilities
Missions, branches and districts : In areas where members of the Church are fewer, more branches form a district and several districts form a task . Until a stake is created, the mission president presides not only full-time missionaries but also members of the Church. The mission presidents are called to work full time for a period of three years. Apart from the General Authorities, they are the only ones to receive compensation for their ministry. While a parish is a necessary part of a pile, a branch can be part of a stake or district. A branch is like a miniature parish, district and is like a miniature pile. In both cases, the difference, besides the numbers, lies in the keys of authority received by their respective leaders.

Gardens of Temple of Madrid
Family level
The family is the basic organization structure. Under the doctrine, the father and mother, as equal partners, the responsibility for raising children. The father presides and his family’s responsibility to provide for basic needs and protection Relevant Life Policy of his family. The mother was the sacred call of bringing children into the world. Children have a responsibility to honor and respect their parents (Exodus 20:12)
Operation

Priesthood
Main article: Priesthood (Mormonism) .
The term “priesthood” is a generic that includes all offices of the priesthood. There are two types:
the Aaronic Priesthood
The offices of the Aaronic Priesthood are those of deacon, teacher, priest and bishop (a bishop, however, must also hold the Melchizedek Priesthood).

Statue ‘Restoration of Melchizedek Priesthood, to Temple Square
the Melchizedek Priesthood
The offices of the priesthood of Melchizedek are those of Elder, High Priest , of Patriarch , of the Seventy and Apostle .
The priesthood holders are organized in college and have the authority to administer the sacraments and to perform certain administrative functions in the Church. These sacraments are baptism , confirmation (or gift of the Holy Spirit ), ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood for men, staffing and celestial marriage .
Other sacraments exist, such as: the blessing of a newborn, the patriarchal blessing , blessings, health, blessings to advise and comfort, the father’s blessings, the aside in a function in the Church and the blessing of a grave. Other sacraments are not directed to the individual: the consecration of a temple , church or other building, the consecration from one country to the preaching of the Gospel, etc.. The sacraments are administered by the priesthood. Following are the sacraments by laying on of hands: confirmation, ordination, and apart from the most blessings.
The term “priesthood” includes all men who hold a priesthood office. Women are given responsibilities in the Church not hold the priesthood.
The priesthood quorums are: college of deacons (boys 12-13), college instructors (boys 14-15), colleges of priests (boys aged 16-17), College Alumni (men 18 and older), college of high priests (each consisting of all the high priests of a pile), colleges of seventy (eight in number since 2005), the college the Twelve Apostles.
Auxiliary organizations
the Sunday School . Sunday School for anyone 12 and older. Its aims are to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, strengthen individuals and families by inviting them to study the scriptures, obey the commandments, to receive the essential ordinances and keep the covenants associated with them.

Relief Society House (home of the Relief Society), built in 1907, Santa Clara, Utah
The following auxiliary organizations are headed by women in general and local levels of the hierarchy of the Church:
the Relief Society . Back when it was founded, the Relief Society had two main objectives: to rescue the poor and needy and save souls. This organization remains faithful to the guiding principles of its origin.
the Young Girls 12 to 17 years have a comprehensive program for teaching. All girls are encouraged to participate in the program ‘Personal Progress’ , program of accomplishment that helps them live the experiences of virtues for Girls by projects and activities
the Primary , organization for all children aged 3 to 11 years and held for two hours every Sunday while parents participate in their weekly meetings. Primary is divided into two parts, the ‘sharing time’ and classes. Sharing time allows children to participate in activities, learn and sing songs that teach gospel principles. Moreover, the “days of fulfillment” they offer opportunities to interact with each other by having wholesome entertainment with physical activity, creative, cultural and service activities 37 .
Programs and Activities

Center and Institute Seminar in Baranquilla, Venezuela
Several programs and activities are in support of this structure: seminars and institutes of religion , communication, genealogy, music. Some programs work in general only as the construction and humanitarian , other locally only as the support , teacher training and recreational activities. In North America and Europe have organized conferences for youth.
Other programs made ​​necessary more specific. Thus, considering that no one is immune against the social epidemic of domestic violence, the Church has created the ‘LDS Family Services’ ( Family Services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ) , a private non-profit to help individuals and families 38 .
Similarly, virtually all Latter-day Saints in Africa with friends or family members who are HIV positive or AIDS, the Church has developed a program and educational materials to help members of the Church 39 .
The communication relay
At all levels of the hierarchy, different ecclesiastical meetings are held to the proper functioning of the Church: conferences, meetings chair, board meetings, committee meetings, coordination meetings. At these meetings there are other communication relay: Visits and meetings.
Documentation
The head of the church publishes manuals for different levels of ecclesiastical authority, administration, organizations and programs, which can add letters and internal memos.
The Church publishes the scriptures ( Bible , Book of Mormon , Doctrine and Covenants , Pearl of Great Price ), including textbooks and magazine The Ensign which support the instruction in the various classes.
Offices and meetings

Conference center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where the conference is held semi-annual general
Members attend meetings in general, regional and local levels.
General level
The General Conference is held twice yearly (April and October) in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is transmitted by Mormon Channel 40 in the United States, in conference centers of the Church and the world via the Internet 41
Regional level
The conference stake , at the regional level, takes place twice a year and brings together members of parishes that depend on it.
Local
Locally, the Sunday meetings best led tv of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are spread over three consecutive hours, three meetings with two exposures of 10 minutes between each. These meetings are open to the public.
Sacrament meeting: families together participate in the distribution of the sacrament (bread and water), followed generally three speeches prepared in advance by members on a theme. The first Sunday of each month, days of fasting , the sacrament meeting is a testimony meeting. No speech is required, but members of the Church who wish to go freely come to the meeting on spiritual themes.
Sunday school : by age.
Meeting of priesthood (for men) and Relief Society (women) During these two time slots, attendees participate freely in discussions. Meanwhile, children attending the Primary , literacy classes and activities.
Instruction in the home
Main article: Education in the home (Mormonism) .
As it is impossible to the bishop and his counselors to visit the home of all members of the parish, the bishop has a set of priesthood quorums including men to whom it delegates responsibility to visit homes and to work as home teachers. The home teachers visit each household in the parish at least once a month. They form two teams responsible for ensuring the welfare temporal and spiritual families. When the bishop has a message to these families, it may do so by the home teachers. They are attentive to the needs of families they visit. If assistance is required, in the home teachers would immediately notify their managers so that necessary measures are taken.
Women have their own program of education visits. They form teams of two. Each team prepares a monthly contact with one or more women of the parish. Unlike the men who visit a whole family, women visit them.
Culture

Mormon Corridor
A culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reflecting the cultural impact of basic beliefs and traditions of the Church, distinguished members of the Church, their practices and activities. Culture is geographically concentrated in the Mormon Corridor (or Jell-O Belt ) to the United States , but is, to a lesser extent, present in many parts of the world inhabited by Latter-day Saints.
Education
Perpetual Education Fund
Main article: Perpetual Education Fund .
Inspired Perpetual Immigration Fund, system low rate loan that allowed converts to travel to Utah in the middle of the xix th century, Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church, in 2001 announced the introduction of a Perpetual Education Fund (perpetual education or background), after finding that many young men and young women back in their country after full-time mission, could not find adequately paid employment, after failing to find funding needed to start a school curriculum or vocational training.
University Brigham Young (BYU)
Main article: Brigham Young University .

BYU
The Latter-day Saints believe that one of the most important aspects of life on earth is an opportunity for individuals to learn and grow. They are also convinced that, whatever the knowledge gained in this life, they are forfeited for life after death. Consequently, the Church places great emphasis on education and finance.
Genealogy
Genealogical Society of Utah
Main article: Genealogical Society of Utah .

Family History Library in Salt Lake City
The Latter-day Saints believe that their first obligation is to accomplish, by proxy, the ordinances of the temple for deceased members of their families to enable them to receive the blessings of the gospel. The Latter-day Saints believe that these orders shall seal or bind families together, the aim being an unbroken chain back to Adam.
This desire has motivated the invention of the standard GEDCOM and the search for ancient records, including through technology Microfilm allowing them to save their genealogy 42 , 43 .
His site FamilySearch , whose resources are available free to the public, is one of the sites genealogical most used on Internet 44 .
Family History Centers
Main article: Family History Center .
The Church administers the Family History Centers around the world, open to those interested in genealogy and family history. They offer access to millions of records of births, marriages, deaths and other records.
Humanitarian
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that humanitarian service is an essential part of his mission (Matthew 25:35,36,40). The humanitarian assistance is provided by the Church to those who need it, wherever they live and whatever their religion, race, ethnicity or political regime. The funds for the operation of these organizations based on volunteer from the gift of fasting members of the Church 45 .
Relief Society
Main article: Relief Society .

Administrative building of the Relief Society in Salt Lake City
In 1842, Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society , with the objective of providing relief to members of the Church in trouble. Relief Society continues to fulfill this mission today, while the Church has expanded its humanitarian efforts 46 .
In the early years of the Church after its founding in 1830, humanitarian action was systematically slowed by the loss of members and the continuing persecution. The first permanent humanitarian organization of the Church was established in 1955 on the Brigham Young University (BYU)
Humanitarian Centre
Main article: Humanitarian Centre of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .

A grain elevator diabetic foot ulcer at Welfare Square.
Built in 1991 on the site called Welfare Square located in the outskirts of Temple Square , near the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City , the humanitarian center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Humanitarian Center) is intended to respond to emergency situations worldwide and to support programs of the LDS Foundation (Foundation of Latter-day Saints) 47 .
LDS Foundation
Main article: LDS Foundation .
The Foundation of Latter-day Saints ( LDS Foundation ), also known as LDS Charities , founded in late 1920s, is one of the branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This organization aims to help impoverished families in the world by improving their independence, health and education and to provide assistance in emergency situations caused by wars or natural disasters. Aid is given to those who need it, wherever they live and whatever their religion, race, ethnicity or political regime. Funds for operating the Foundation of Latter-day Saints, based on voluntary, emanate from the gift of fasting members of the Church 48 .
Stores Bishop
Locally, the Store of the bishop is part of the welfare program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It benefits the families of the Church in trouble. A storehouse (also known as the ‘Lord’s storehouse’), in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints generally refers to a resource center base used by the Bishops of the Church to provide goods to the needy. The store stores of staple foods and essential household items.
The term ‘store of the Bishop’ can also be used figuratively to refer to all of the time, talents, skills, materials, compassionate service, and financial resources of members of the Church available for use to those in need 49 .
Family Services
Main article: Family Services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .
The LDS Family Services ( Family Services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ) is a nonprofit organization created and run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It offers members of the Church adoption agencies and placement services for children, family counseling and marital counseling on addiction and drug addiction, counseling and psychotherapy and counseling services to single mothers . These services are intended for those who need it, regardless of their religion and are free.
Helping Hands
Helping Hands is a program run by the Church and the priesthood designed to make community service and providing relief to those in need during disasters 50 . It is to provide volunteers and usually no assets or equipment.
It is also a program of services to the company also aimed to improve and beautify living spaces. In collaboration with civic leaders, members of the church volunteer their time to improve or beautify local communities where they live or implementing service projects 51 Projects include general cleaning of public places: parks, public buildings and roads, hospitals, or people with special needs (3 e age or disabled). In general, the required materials are provided by recipients of these service projects. Participants wear vests with the logo Helping Hands 52 . This program also allows the provision of churches for actions in support of humanitarian organizations such as for blood donation.
Finally, it provides members of the Church of opportunities to give of their time and talents in an organized way for people in need, with the aim of strengthening youth and adults of the Church which, through ‘helping hands ‘, may become more sensitive to others’ problems. Projects have been implemented in Latin America Bankruptcy 53 , United States, Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe 54
Music

Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Orchestra at Temple Square
Tabernacle Choir
Main article: Mormon Tabernacle Choir .
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, founded in 1847, is one of the most famous choral institutions in the world. It consists of 360 votes and is usually accompanied by an organ of 11,623 pipes and the Orchestra at Temple Square consists of 110 musicians. All members of the Tabernacle Choir are volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 55 .
Orchestra at Temple Square
Main article: Orchestra at Temple Square .
The Orchestra at Temple Square was created in 1999 under the leadership of Gordon B. Hinckley , President of the Church, as part of ongoing initiatives created to enhance and expand the capacity of musical organizations of the Church. Composed of volunteers, it improves the quality of performance until the Tabernacle Choir accompanied by instrumental groups such as the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and Utah Symphony, and proposes to instrumental musicians, the possibility serving as a musician missionary.
Songs
All Sunday meetings of the Church begin with a song selected from the hymnbook 56 ‘. Several songs and hymns are specific to the Church. Among the best known: I Am a Child of God 57 ; Oh, Father , Lord, auto insurance quotes thank you for the prophet , God’s Holy Spirit , Christ is my light , Called to Serve ; Together Forever .
Children from Primary use a collection entitled Songs for children 58
Missionary work

Missionaries
Main article: Mormon Missionary .
Singles or retired couples, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, can apply to fill a full-time mission. If they are seen as morally worthy and fit, they are sent to 18 or 24 months preach the Gospel with the support of their family or their parish. Thus more than 50,000 missionaries are constantly active in approximately 145 countries 59 .
Current practices
Rules of life
The Church insists that the moral standards which Mormons believe was taught by Jesus Christ . They include the Word of Wisdom , the law of chastity , the payment of tithes , participation in secular clergy of the Church, to refrain from work on Sunday if possible, the family home evening , the instruction at home , visiting teaching, obedience to the laws and governments.
Call to serve
Each member of the Church who desires and is capable of receiving one or more tasks to fulfill in the Church. The number of people receiving a call to serve is, in a parish average, about two hundred. Each of these individuals has a definite responsibility. Each member of the Church receives, during his life, various opportunities to serve in the Church. Those who wish to receive a liability. The local bishop and other persons who perform a task at the local level in the Church do in addition to their family and professional responsibilities and without financial compensation. Each is called for an indefinite period until it is relieved of his post by a release of thanks for his work. Another person is then called in his place.
Family
The Church emphasizes the importance of family, and the concept that a united family lives and progresses forever concept at the heart of the doctrine of the Latter-day Saints. The Church members are encouraged to marry and have children, families LDS therefore tend to be larger than average. Sexual activity, heterosexual and homosexual, outside of marriage is considered a grave sin. Marriages between people of same sex is not practiced or supported by the Church.
Fathers day Saints holding the Aaronic usually give a ‘blessing for the children’ soon after birth, to formally assign a name and save them as members of the Church. But children can not be baptized before the age of eight, considered the age of discretion.
Entertainment
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages social activities such as sports, dance, recreation 60 . The Young Men and Young Women have weekly activities sponsored by the Church 61 .
Personal Preparedness
The Church strongly encourages each family to prepare for all types of disasters, including economic, in difficult times. Members are encouraged to plant gardens, store reserves for one year, and to hold a “72 hour kit”, containing the supplies necessary for autonomy in the event of natural disaster. The Church is organized for quick responses to immediate needs, but Members are expected to be autonomous, to meet their own needs, and be able to help their neighbors and their surroundings. The church’s response to emergencies or disasters is led by the storehouse and is not limited to members of the Church.
The Church also supports programs that help its members become operators of amateur radio , to provide communication between the facilities of the Church, disaster. The amateur radio equipment for High Frequency allow ongoing communications throughout the world, while operations in Very High Frequency connect local leaders. In risk areas such as southern California exposed to earthquakes, course sessions and examinations of amateur radio license are regularly performed in local chapels and are open to all, regardless of age or religious affiliation.
Prayers
Personal and public prayers are addressed to “Heavenly Father”, offered in the name of Jesus Christ and followed amen . When the prayer is given in public, it is customary that participants say “amen” at the end of the prayer. English speaking members are welcome to use thee , thou , thy and thine (tu) when they turn to God, as a form of familiarity and respect. Members who speak other languages ​​use syntax similar respect in familiar prayer. Most prayers are impromptu and can be done kneeling, standing or sitting or others. Bow our heads and fold their arms during prayer is common and encouraged.
Buildings and Structures

Temple Square
Main article: Temple Square .

Temple Square in 1897
Temple Square 62 is a site of 700,000 m ² located in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day DUI Attorneys Saints. At Temple Square are two visitor centers and the Salt Lake Temple , the Tabernacle , the Assembly Hall (Assembly Hall), the Seagull Monument ( Monument of Seagulls )
In recent years, the use of the name of Temple Square was modified to include other buildings immediately adjacent to Temple Square the Joseph Smith Memorial Building , the humanitarian center part of the Foundation of Latter-day Saints (LDS Foundation) the conference center , administrative buildings of the Church, the Family History Library (Library of History of the Family), the Museum of Church History , the History Library of the Church , the administration building Relief Society Denver Divorce Lawyer (Relief Society Building) 63
Temples
Main article: Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .

Temple of Bern in Zollikofen , Switzerland
The Church also built temples 64 The temple stands a church as the temple of Jerusalem is distinguished from a synagogue . The Sunday meetings are not held. The temple is for Latter-day Saints the Lord’s house, a place sanctifé. They are built to enable men to perform ordinances sacred and prepare for life after death .
The most important of these orders is the eternal marriage , or sealing. Only a man having the authority (sealer) can pronounce the words of union allowing a couple, a family, to be united eternally. The condition for the spouses may enter the temple and be forever united with their families (ancestors and descendants), is to remain worthy by obeying the laws and commandments of God. A written recommendation, issued by the bishop , attests to this dignity and allows access to the temple. All other temple ordinances are performed not only for the living, but also for the dead by proxy. They are used to teach man about the purpose of its creation and its eternal potential. The main purpose of these orders is the return of man in God’s presence. The first temple built in Europe (1954) is the temple of Zollikofen near Bern , in Switzerland , also called Temple of Bern 65 . The first temple built in France is the Papeete Tahiti Temple . It serves more than 21,000 members of the Church of French Polynesia since 1984.

Church of Warsaw, Poland
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Churches
Main article: Church of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .
The churches are the place of Sunday worship, and the place of multiple activities during the week and are open to the public.
Company [ modify ]

Interfaith relations
Catholics and Latter-day Saints
According to Cardinal Francis George, archbishop of Chicago, president of the Episcopal Conference of the United States, received the BYU 66 .

Signage of Churches in Trona, California
“The lesson teaches American history is that churches and other religious bodies thrive in a nation and a social order that respect religious freedom and recognize that civil government should never come between awareness and practices its citizens’ religious and God Almighty … I am personally grateful, after living essentially separated for 180 years, Catholics and Latter-day Saints have begun to see themselves as reliable partners in the defense of shared moral principles and in promoting the common good of our country beloved. ”
- Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago, February 2010, Brigham Young University
67
More generally, and particularly the United States, relations between the two faiths are a cooperation between the Catholic Relief and Humanitarian Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in assistance to victims of famines and disasters natural and, in recent years, the Church has sometimes joined the Catholic representatives in joint initiatives such as opposition to same-sex marriage 68
13 and September 14, 2010, Russell Ballard , an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day visit to Rome , met with Vatican Cardinal Levada, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
Latter-day Saints and Muslims
The appreciation of the Church for the role of Muhammad in history can be read in the declaration of 1978 the First Presidency . This statement has Muhammad among the “great world religious leaders” who received “a portion of the divine light” and asserts that “… moral truths were given by God [these leaders] to investigate whole nations and to provide a higher level of understanding to every human being ” 69 According to BH Roberts (1857-1933), of the Seventy, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is established for the education of men and c is one of the means God uses to make known the truth but not limited to this institution to accomplish this goal, it is not limited in time or place. God raises here and there, among all the children of men, sages and prophets, 70 who are in their own language and their own nationality and speak to people so they understand. All the great masters … are servants of God in every country and every age. They are inspired men, chosen to instruct the children of God, according to the conditions under which they live 71 “
In recent years, respect for the spiritual heritage of Muhammad and the religious values ​​of the Muslim community has led the Latter-day Saints and Muslims around the world to have more and more contacts and greater cooperation. The Church respects the laws and Muslim traditions that prohibit conversion of Muslims to other religions. It therefore adopted a policy of non-proselytizing in Muslim countries of the Middle East . However, dialogue and cooperation are numerous, such as visiting Muslim dignitaries at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City , the use of canning the Church by Muslims to produce food halal (purified by a ritual), the humanitarian assistance and aid first aid of the Church for the predominantly Muslim regions, including Jordan , the Kosovo and Turkey , the university agreements between the Brigham Young University , and academic institutions and government of the Muslim world , the existence of the Muslim Students Association of Brigham Young University, and collaboration between the Church and Muslim organizations for the protection of traditional family values ​​72 . Also, the publication of the Islamic Translation Series’ (collection of Islamic books translated into English) is sponsored by BYU and the Church and led to numerous exchanges between Muslim authorities and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A Muslim ambassador to the UN said that this collection of translated works “will play a positive role in the effort by the West to gain a better understanding of Islam” 73 . In addition, the installation of two centers of academic and cultural exchanges in the Middle East, in 1989 (in Jerusalem and Amman ), reflect the respect of traditional leaders of the Church for Islam . A member of the Egyptian Council of Ministers told Howard W. Hunter of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles : “If we can one day bridge the gap between Christianity and Islam, it will necessarily by the Mormon Church” 74
Mormonism and Judaism

Brigham Young University Jerusalem
Main article: Mormonism and Judaism .
The Latter-day Saints say they are the House of Israel , for some of the direct line to the other by adoption. As such, Judaism is the basis of the history of Mormonism. Jews are seen as a covenant people of God, highly regarded and respected in the Mormon faith. The Church is consequently very philo in its doctrine . From the perspective of the Jewish community, the Mormon beliefs regarding their membership in the House of Israel are generally rejected both theologically and culturally.
The concept of a claim of belonging to the House of Israel produces various interfaith problems. Although there are conflicts, relations reached rarely, if ever Semitism or anti-Mormonism.
Common commitments
With leaders of various denominations, the Church engages in joint actions.
In 2010, the Presiding Bishop H. David Burton, on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints co-authored, with community leaders Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, Lutheran, Orthodox, Pentecostal and Sikh, an open letter: “The Protection of Marriage: a shared commitment “to express their common commitment to the protection of marriage as a union between a man and a woman 75
Ethnicities
Situation of Blacks in Mormonism
Main article: Status of Blacks in Mormonism .

Mormon temple of Abu Nigeria
Blacks were always officially welcome in the Church and Joseph Smith (1805-1844), abolitionist , ordered black men to priesthood 76 and fought against slavery as a candidate for President of the United States . At that time, the commonly held belief in American society was that blacks were cursed descendants of Cain. For this reason, after the death of Joseph Smith, his successor, Brigham Young , taught in 1852, that if blacks could be baptized, they could not be ordained to the priesthood or receive the sacraments of the upper temple 77 , stating “that ‘they do not receive the blessings of the priesthood before the other descendants of Adam have received the promises and are pleased with the blessings of the priesthood … if we did, would be removed from the priesthood and the Church the Kingdom of God, … the Church would be its destruction 78 . ” This policy was widely criticized during the xx th century, mainly the Civil Rights Movement in the United States but also from intellectuals and academics (sometimes Mormons themselves). The attitude of the Church toward other cultures and people of color, which had been shared by the majority of white Americans, began to appear racist and neo-colonial. The Church was subject to strong reactions because of its position on the issue of blacks and Native Americans.
In 1955, the church began to ordain Melanesian blacks to the priesthood. In the late 1960s, the church grew in Brazil , the Caribbean and Africa . In the case of Africa and the Caribbean, the Church had not yet started its missionary program on a large scale in these regions. Large groups in Ghana and Nigeria have wanted to join the Church and many Church members in Brazil were of African origin. On June 8, 1978, under the presidency of Spencer W. Kimball , 12 th President of the Church, was adopted a declaration of the First Presidency of the Church saying that ” all male members of the Church who are worthy may be ordained to the priesthood without regard to race or color “. Today, the Black Church members are numerous and many congregations are predominantly black 79 .
Mormonism and American First Nations
During the post- World War II , the church began to focus its expansion into a number of cultures Native American and Oceania that many Mormons consider to be of the same ethnicity. These peoples were called “Lamanites” because of their supposed descendants of Lamanites in the Book of Mormon . In 1947, the church began an investment program where students of Native American Indians (at the request of their parents) were voluntarily placed in homes of Latter-day Saints who welcomed them to the school year when they attended the public schools and equated the Mormon culture.
Views
Mormon perception of homosexuality
Main article: Mormon perception of homosexuality .
According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the homosexuality is officially seen as a set of “thoughts, feelings, and behaviors”, and not as a “condition” immutable, or indication of an ‘identity’ innate 80 . She teaches that sometimes unwanted thoughts, feelings and behaviors can and should be controlled 81 .
The Church says it officially welcomes all members to respect the conditional law of chastity , common principle to all members of the Church. The law of chastity prohibits extramarital sex heterosexual sex and all gay and lesbian . Breaking this law implies a disqualification (more access to the temple) or excommunication 81 , 82 , 83 .
In 1995, the First Presidency publishes’ The Family: A Proclamation to the World ‘defining the official position of the Church, the family, gender roles and male and female sexuality.
More generally, considering the both male and female homosexuality as a transgression of divine law, the Church opposes the extension of legal rights for families gays and lesbians who, in his view, would weaken the institution family created by God ( marriage monogamous heterosexual ) 84 . His position is the subject of criticism from associations working for the recognition of gay rights who feel that the church promotes homophobia by its position on this issue.
In 2009, the church has supported a series of texts against discrimination against homosexuals leading to their adoption by the City Council of Salt Lake City. These texts concerned “the right to have a roof over his head and right to work free from discrimination” and argued that the Church “in essence 85 . ”
Mormonism and evolution theory
Although the Church has no position on the theory of evolution, she delivered a number of dogmas about the origin of man . These statements generally take the position approved by the Encyclopedia of Mormonism 86 , 87
The first official statement of 1909 wow gold on the issue of evolution marked the centenary of the birth of Charles Darwin and the 50 th anniversary of his work on the origin of species. In this year the First Presidency led by Joseph F. Smith issued a statement on the religious point of view of the predominant creationism , calling the theory of evolution as a “theory of man” wrong or bad. “It is held by some that Adam was not the first man on earth and the origin of man is a descendant of the development of the animal creation. But it is the theories of man ” 88 In his Christmas message in 1910, the First Presidency has referred to the Church’s position vis-à-vis science:
“Diversity of opinion does not necessitate intolerance of spirit and must not embitter or draw rational beings against each other … Our religion is not hostile to real science. Which is demonstrated, we accept it with joy, but we do not accept the vain philosophy, the theory of man or mere human speculation, and we do not adopt anything contrary to divine revelation or to common sense. » 89
In 1925, a new president has issued an official statement which reaffirmed the doctrine that Adam was the first man on earth and it was created in the image of God 90 . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not released an official statement on the theory of evolution since 1925 91
Policy
A statement of belief regarding governments and laws in general has been unanimously adopted by a General Assembly of the Church held on 17 August 1835 in Kirtland (Ohio) (Doctrine and Covenants 134: “1-4, Governments must protect freedom of conscience and worship. 5-8, All men must defend their government and show respect and deference to the law. 9-10, Religious organizations shall not exercise civil powers. 11 – 12, men are justified when they defend themselves and their property “) 92 .
The Church observes political neutrality: “The mission of the Church is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is denver martial arts neutral in matters of political parties. This applies in all countries where it operates. It encourages its members to be responsible citizens in the community where they live, keeping informed about these issues and to vote in 93 . ”
Each election year, the Church sent a letter to every bishop (head of the congregation) to read the panel stating that the Church does not endorse any political parties or candidates, does not allow its buildings to be used for political events, and no titles or positions that a member of the Church can not be used to involve the Church in support of any party or candidate.
However, the Church has approved or disapproved specific policy positions it considers moral issues:
Opposed to ‘LGM-118A – MX (Peacekeeper) missile, based in Utah and Nevada 94 .
Opposition to ‘the Equal Rights Amendment, in the 1970s.
Support for Proposition 22 (2000) in California defining marriage between a man and a woman.
In 2004 to support the constitutional amendment defining marriage in Utah between a man and a woman.
Support for ‘the act of defense of marriage’ defining U.S. marriage between a man and a woman.
In recent decades, the Republican Party has won a significant majority of Mormons vote in most elections at national and state level. Accordingly, the Utah , state with an overwhelming majority Mormon population, is also one of the most Republican states in the country. However, Harry Reid ( Nevada ), the Democrats , Majority Leader of the Senate, is a member of the Mormon Church.
Attitude towards the State and society
The Latter-day Saints are required to submit to governments, to be good citizens and obey the laws, to honor them and support them. It is also expected to serve members of the community and help those in need. (12th Article of Faith )
Objections
Pornography
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that pornography is an addiction that degrades the senses, destroys self-esteem and family relationships, leads to addiction and separates a person from God. Pornography is thus the subject of the program Combating.Pornography 95 . It is recommended that Latter-day Saints not to take part in any form of obscene or pornographic media, and those showing graphical representations of sex or violence.
Abortion
The Church opposes abortion, except in exceptional circumstances, as in cases of rape or incest or to save the life of the mother. However, the Church respects the right of the individual free will, and the decision is finally taken by the individual, inspired by God through sincere prayer and fasting.
Other
She also opposes gambling, as well as games governed by the state, or sponsored by charities 96 . Tattoos and piercings, except for a pair of earrings for women, are strongly discouraged.
Public life
Distinctions
Distinction by the Church in the United Kingdom
The delivery of the award for family values ​​, awarded by the Church to “members of the community who have contributed significantly to assist and support the family,” held in London since 2004. Received this distinction:
- In 2009, Reverend Hon John Battle , MP, Prime Minister sent to all denominations of the United Kingdom , but also to Jill Kirby , director of the Centre for Policy Studies and founder and president of Full Time Mothers ( full-time mothers).
- In 2010, Baroness Scotland of Asthal, chairman of the Bar, Attorney General of England and Wales , before the House of Parliament because of the sustained action taken to combat it the domestic violence .
- In 2011, Edmund Adamus, director of pastoral affairs of the diocese of Westminster, having worked to strengthen marriage and family life 97 .
Among others, have also received this honor Mary Crowley , a member of the Order of the British Empire , and the Rev. Hon Paul Boateng , former first secretary of finance.
Council of Autism
In 2009, Autism Council (in French: Autism Council) of Utah has named the church the ‘Organization Prize remarkable of the Year for his dedicated website with disability 98
American Red Cross
In 2005, the American Red Cross awarded to the Church the American Red Cross Circle of Humanitarians , after his participation in the vaccination campaign against measles in Africa in 2004 and 2005 99
Movies hcg diet drops
The Mormon Odyssey (1940), Henry Hathaway, with Tyrone Power , Vincent Price , Mary Astor and Dean Jagger (B. Young).
On the other side CrossFit Denver of Paradise (2001), Mitch Davis, with Anne Hathaway and Christopher Gorham : a Mormon missionary on the islands Tonga .
The Temptation of Aaron (2003), of C. Jay Cox , with Steve Sandvoss and Wes Ramsey : meet a Mormon missionary in the closet with his neighbor openly gay .
LDS cinema (in)
LDS Film Festival in Brussels
All About Mormons (All About Mormons in the original) is the twelfth episode of the seventh season of the animated series South Park .
Big Love is a television series for five seasons (2006-2011) released by the American channel HBO .
Personalities

Stephenie Meyer , writer.

Jon Huntsman, former ambassador to China, presidential candidate in 2012 in the U.S.

Don Lind , astronaut.

Torah Bright , Olympic champion.
Business
Nolan D. Archibald, CEO of Black & Decker
Richard Marriott, chairman of Marriott International
Jim Jannard, CEO and Chairman of Oakley, Inc..
Native Americans
Kanosh , chief of the tribe of Pahvant Utes , of Utah Territory
Army
Gail S. Halvorsen , an officer of the Air Force called “candy bomber” during the Berlin Blockade .
Mervyn Bennion , naval officer, died at Pearl Harbor
Arts and literature
Katherine Heigl , actress and producer of films and television series.
Stephenie Meyer , writer, author of the bestselling Twilight
Dean Jagger , Dustin Lance Black , Billy Barty , Bart Johnson , Capulina , AJ Cook , actors
David Archuleta , Marie Osmond 100 , Donny Osmond , Brandon Flowers , Gladys Knight , Marvin Goldstein , Brendon Urie , musicians
Floyd Gottfredson , Don Bluth , artists studios for Disney
Gerald R. Molen , producer of films including Schindler’s List , Rain Man and Jurassic Park
Humanitarian
Cecile Pelous , President of the French organization Action Talk Future ‘for Nepal, Knight of the Order of Merit
Policy
Ezra Taft Benson , Secretary of Agriculture of the United States during the mandates of President Dwight David Eisenhower (and 13 th President of the Church)
David Kennedy , economist and politician, U.S. , Secretary of the Treasury of the United States
Harry Reid , senator from Nevada .
Mitt Romney , Governor of Massachusetts , presidential candidate of the United States in 2008 and 2012.
Jon Huntsman , American politician and diplomat, former ambassador to the United States in China and candidate for the Republican nomination for the U.S. presidential election 2012
Press
Louis Auguste Bertrand , Communist Icarian and editor of socialist newspaper Le Populaire
Glenn Beck , American polemicist, radio host, commentator on channel Fox News and author
Science and technology
James C. Fletcher , president of the University of Utah and director of the NASA
Philo Farnsworth , inventor of the tube shooting for TV.
Don L. Lind , astronaut
Yukihiro Matsumoto , computer scientist Japanese designer of the programming language Ruby .
Nolan Bushnell , founder and CEO of Atari
Sports
Shawn Bradley , player basketball Germano-American, retired Dallas Mavericks in the NBA.
Kresimir Cosic , player basketball Croatian , playing for Yugoslavia .
Thurl Bailey , a professional player American in basketball in the NBA from 1983 to 1999 with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves .
Ben Cahoon , player of Canadian football for the Montreal Allouettes.
Sid Going , captain of the rugby team All Blacks
Torah Bright , Australian Olympic champion halfpipe at Vancouver Olympics
Statistics

Countries and territories with at least one temple
Countries and territories without a temple but with members and missionaries
Country and territory without official presence of the Church
2007
Population of the Church
The Church warns against the overemphasis on growth statistics in comparison with other churches, because the relevance factors, including rates and mortality rates, the methodology used for recording or the membership count, factors constituting the membership, and geographical variations are rarely taken into account in comparisons 17 .
According to the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches 2005, of all the churches that communicate their statistics, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fourth in size in the United States, with more than 5, 5 million members in the U.S. in late 2003 101 . She claimed thirteen million members worldwide in 2007 one hundred and two and claimed to have reached a total of 13,508,509 members in 2008, 102 of which 166 000 in Canada 103 (with 10 226 in Quebec 104 ), 34 906 in France 105 , in 6043 Belgium 106 and 7939 in Switzerland 107 . More than half of church members live outside the U.S., in nearly 180 countries, 178 languages ​​and 108 .
In 2004, Mexico became the first country outside the United States, surpassing one million members. Since then, Brazil has become the second. Growth in the rest of the world continues to be faster than the United States.
The population of Plastic Bins the Church increased by an average of about one million members every three years.
In 2007, the number of missionaries called since 1830 had reached one million.
December 31, 2010 :
Number of units of the Church: Pious (dioceses): 2896; Missions: 340; Districts (small dioceses): 614; Wards and branches (smaller congregations): 28,660
Population of the Church: Total Church: 14131467; Increased number of children enrolled in 2010: 120,528; converts baptized in 2010: 272,814
Missionaries : full-time missionaries: 52,225, missionary service: 20,813
Temples : Temples consecrated in 2010: 4; Temples rededicated in 2010: 1; Temples in service: 134
Statistics by country and language (31 December 2003):
Countries with the largest number of members of the Church:

A group of eleven men, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, assist a man by restoring his roof.

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Kristine Haglund criticizes Mormon leaders: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/304889-1
Check out Elder Dallin H Oaks talk and see if Haglund adheres to his direction: http://www.lds.org/ensign/1987/02/criticism?lang=eng&query=h+%22criticism%22+%28name%3a%22Dallin+H.+Oaks%22%29

Copyright free from C-Span.

Duration : 0:3:24

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Technorati Tags: abortion, Authority, contraceptives, criticizes leaders, feminist, gay, gay marriage, gender equality, intellectual, Kristine Haglund, liberal, Mormon, Priesthood, Prop 8, racism, Reid Baer, sexism