| The King James version of the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and the revelations given to other Presidents of the Church (Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price) are accepted as scripture. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: (See also "Dietary Standards" and "Basic Beliefs," especially articles 12 and 13.) Teachings of the Church prohibit sex outside of marriage, do not accept homosexuality or abortions (except where necessary to preserve the life of the mother), and teach "doing good to all men." Members are expected to adhere to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, must be baptized by proper authority, live a Christian life, and observe the council of Church leaders. Members are expected to contribute tithing to the Church. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is organized with a three member First Presidency, the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, and the First and Second Quorum of Seventy, which administers the ecclesiastical affairs of the Church. There is also a Presiding Bishopric, which administers the ecclesiastical affairs of the Church under the direction of the First Presidency. These leaders are referred to as the General Authorities. Membership is organized into Stakes and Wards, or into Missions, Districts, and Branches. A Stake consists of 6 to 10 Wards with a Stake President and two counselors, assisted by a High Council of l2 members, and other stake leaders with advisory responsibility over specific programs of the Wards. A Ward is a congregation of 300 to 800 members within a limited geographical area, functioning under the direction of a Bishop and two counselors, assisted by department or auxiliary heads who supervise the Sunday School, Women's auxiliary (Relief Society), Young Men's and Young Women's programs, etc. Military Chaplains are all members whose special education, training, and experience qualify them for service. MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints has a lay leadership. Qualified and worthy members are called to positions of leadership to serve without compensation. The First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles (see "Organizational Structure"), are called on a full time basis and devote the remainder of their lives to these callings. Others serve in addition to their normal occupations for a limited time, often 5 to 7 years. All worthy males are ordained to the priesthood; the Aaronic (or preparatory) Priesthood first and later the Melchizedek (or higher) Priesthood. General Authorities, Stake and Mission Presidents, Bishops and Branch Presidents, LDS Chaplains, and Servicemen Group Leaders may conduct services. Group worship is expected of all members, and required for full fellowship and privileges. Minimum equipment for worship is sufficient bread and water in trays and cups to administer the Sacrament (Communion). Worship services are usually conducted in worship chapels; services may be held in any place affording atmosphere for quiet and reverence. DIETARY LAWS OR RESTRICTIONS: Tea, coffee, tobacco, and strong drink (including all alcoholic beverages) are prohibited; moderation in all things is admonished. Meat, fruits and vegetables should be eaten in proper proportions conducive to good health. FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: LDS chaplains may assist the local and/or home ward bishop. Where an LDS chaplain is not available, the nearest local Bishop or Branch President should be notified, as well as the family of the deceased. When necessary, an LDS Chaplain may conduct funeral and/or grave side services. If burial occurs in combat area where no Bishop or LDS Chaplain is available, a worthy member holding the Melchizedek Priesthood may conduct a simple service or memorial. LDS Chaplains may conduct services for nonmembers if requested. With respect to autopsy, there are no restrictions. Cremation is not encouraged, but left to family. If cremated, regular funeral services may be held. MEDICAL PRACTICES: No restrictions for seriously ill, injured or wounded. Life sustaining treatment depends on laws and individual conscience. OTHER: Closed Communion (Sacrament) is required. No robes or other special paraphernalia used in worship. LDS Chaplains should not participate in any activities which conflict with accepted practices and policies of the Church. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints believe in responding to the call of their government to serve in the armed forces, particularly in defense of the country. However, the decision to serve in time of voluntary service is a personal matter for each individual member. The Church actively proselytizes through its missionary program. Persons wishing membership are interviewed by Church authorities for worthiness and commitment to the teachings of the Church. Upon approval, they receive baptism, later followed by the laying on of hands for receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: Church History in the Fullness of Times. Salt Lake City, UT: Church Educational Systems, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, 1989. 643pp. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Military Relations Committee Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints 50 East North Temple Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 (801) 240-2286 |
|
| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints |
|
| ADDRESS: 50 East North Temple Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 OTHER NAMES: LDS, Mormons LEADER: Ezra Taft Benson, Prophet and President CURRENT MEMBERSHIP: At the close of 1989, the church reported 7.3 million members in over 17,305 congregations worldwide. The church is now organized in 128 nations and territories and has over 40,000 full time missionaries serving in 228 missions around the world. HISTORICAL ROOTS: Organized during the period of unrest and "revival" in the U.S. during the 1800s. Joseph Smith, Jr., uncertain as to which of the various Protestant denominations was the true church, prayed for divine insight. In answer to this prayer, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him to inform him that none were right, but that the fullness of the gospel would be revealed to him in the future. Later, the Angel Moroni delivered to him an ancient record, on gold plates, containing the history and religious teachings of a people who had migrated from Jerusalem to America some 600 years before Christ. These people, believed by the Mormons to be forefathers of at least some of the American Indians, had recorded their religious experiences, including a record of their encounter with the resurrected Christ. These were translated and published by Joseph Smith, Jr., and are known as The Book of Mormon. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints was formally organized on April 6, 1830, in the home of Peter Whitner in Fayette, New York, by Joseph Smith, Jr., and five others. Joseph Smith, Jr., was the first President of the Church. From New York, the Mormons moved to the Midwest. Expelled from Illinois, they were led by Brigham Young, the second President of the Church, to the basin of the Great Salt Lake. STATEMENT OF BASIC BELIEFS: LDS "Articles of Faith" state: |
| 5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. 6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. 7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. 8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. 9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. 11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. 12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. 13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." |
| 1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. 2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. 3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. 4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ: second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
