The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints facts for kids

"Mormon Church" redirects here. For the overarching religious tradition, see Mormonism.

"Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" redirects here. For the original church founded by Joseph Smith, see Church of Christ (Latter Day Saints).

Quick facts for kids The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Official logo since 2020 featuring the Christus statue
Classification	Restorationist
Orientation	Latter Day Saint movement
Scripture	Bible Book of Mormon Doctrine and Covenants Pearl of Great Price
Theology	Nontrinitarian Mormonism
Polity	Hierarchical
President	Russell M. Nelson
Region	Worldwide
Headquarters	Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
Founder	Joseph Smith
Origin	April 6, 1830; 195 years ago (1830-04-06) as Church of Christ Fayette, New York, U.S.
Separations	LDS denominations
Congregations	31,490 (2023)
Members	17,225,394 (2023)
Missionaries	99,556 (2023)
Aid organization	Philanthropies
Tertiary institutions	4
Other name(s)	LDS Church, Mormon Church, Church of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called the LDS Church or Mormon Church, is a Christian faith. It is the largest group in the Latter Day Saint movement. The church believes it is a "restoration" of the original church started by Jesus Christ.

The main offices of the church are in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. It has churches and temples all over the world. The church reports it has over 17 million members and more than 99,000 volunteer missionaries. In the U.S., it is one of the largest Christian groups.

Joseph Smith founded the church in New York in 1830. Under his leadership, the church moved several times. After Smith's death in 1844, most followers chose Brigham Young as their new leader. Young led them to Salt Lake City, Utah. The church continued to grow, first in the western U.S., and then globally.

Church members, known as Latter-day Saints or Mormons, believe in salvation through Jesus Christ. They have four main books of scripture: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Many other Christian groups see the church as different from mainstream Christianity because of its unique beliefs.

Latter-day Saints believe their church president is a modern "prophet, seer, and revelator". They believe Jesus Christ guides the church through him. The church has a volunteer clergy, meaning local leaders are not paid. Men can be ordained to the priesthood, while women serve in leadership roles in other church groups.

Both men and women can serve as missionaries. The church also helps people around the world through humanitarian projects. Members follow health rules, fast regularly, and observe the Sabbath. They also donate ten percent of their income to the church.

Historically, the church faced criticism, especially for its practice of polygamy. This practice was stopped in 1890. Today, some criticisms include questions about its history and finances.

History of the Church

Joseph Smith, the first president of the church.

How the Church Began

Joseph Smith officially started the church on April 6, 1830, in New York. It was first called the Church of Christ. Its name later changed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Many early members joined because of the Book of Mormon. Smith said he translated this book from golden plates. It tells the story of ancient American prophets.

Smith wanted to build a new holy city called Zion in North America. In 1831, the church moved to Kirtland, Ohio. They also started a community in Jackson County, Missouri. But in 1833, settlers in Missouri forced the Latter-day Saints out. The church tried to get their land back but did not succeed.

The church grew in Kirtland, and they built the Kirtland Temple. This time ended in 1838 after a financial problem caused many members to leave. Smith and the remaining members moved to Far West, Missouri. But soon, fighting started again with Missouri settlers. The governor of Missouri ordered them to be "exterminated or driven from the State."

In 1839, the Latter-day Saints moved to Nauvoo, Illinois. They turned a swampy area into a thriving city. Nauvoo grew quickly as missionaries brought in new members from Europe and other places.

Carthage Jail, where Joseph Smith was killed in 1844.

During this time, Smith introduced polygamy to his closest friends. He also taught about special ceremonies that would allow good people to become like God after death. He also shared his First Vision story. In this vision, he said two heavenly beings appeared to him when he was 14. The church sees this vision as a very important event.

On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois. This led to a leadership crisis. Most followers chose Brigham Young to lead them. Young was a close friend of Smith's and the leader of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Other smaller groups followed different leaders. These groups are not part of the LDS Church today. But they all share the same early history. Together, they are called the Latter Day Saint movement.

The Pioneer Journey

Brigham Young led the LDS Church from 1844 until his death in 1877.

After Smith's death, conflicts continued between Mormons and other people in Illinois. Brigham Young led his followers, known as the Mormon pioneers, west. They traveled to Nebraska and then in 1847 to what is now Utah. This land was originally home to Native American tribes. About 80,000 settlers arrived between 1847 and 1869. They spread out and settled a large area called the Mormon Corridor.

At this time, the church also began sending missionaries worldwide. They went to Hawaii, India, Chile, Australia, China, South Africa, and all over Europe.

Young made the LDS Church a legal group. He also openly announced the practice of plural marriage in 1852. Some studies suggest about 20 percent of Mormon families practiced it.

A painting from the 1800s showing Mormon pioneers crossing the plains.

By 1857, problems grew between Mormons and other Americans. This was mainly because of polygamy and Young's leadership in Utah. The Utah War happened from 1857 to 1858. The United States Army entered Utah peacefully. The worst violence during this time was the Mountain Meadows Massacre. In this event, local Mormon militia leaders ordered the killing of a group of travelers. The church faced much criticism for this event.

After the Army left, Young agreed to let a non-Mormon governor lead the territory. But the LDS Church still had a lot of power in Utah. Conflicts also continued between Mormon settlers and Native American tribes. This was because settlers were moving onto tribal lands.

After Young died in 1877, John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff became church presidents. They tried to resist U.S. laws against polygamy. In 1878, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that religious duty was not a reason to break laws against polygamy. In 1890, the U.S. Congress took away the church's legal status and most of its property. Soon after, Woodruff officially stopped new polygamous marriages in the U.S.

Relations with the U.S. improved after 1890. Utah became a U.S. state in 1896. In 1904, church president Joseph F. Smith again said the church did not support polygamy. The church then started to excommunicate members who practiced polygamy. Some small groups still practice polygamy, but the church does not support them.

Modern Times

The Washington D.C. Temple, finished in 1974. It was the first temple built in the eastern U.S. since 1846.

In the 1900s, the church grew a lot and became a global organization. By 2000, it had over 11 million members. By 2018, it had over 16 million members. Slightly less than half of the members live in the United States. Experts call the church a "restorationist" church and a possible "world religion."

The church strongly supports the nuclear family. It has sometimes been involved in political issues. For example, it opposed the Equal Rights Amendment and same-sex marriage.

Some important changes happened in the modern era. In 1978, the church changed its rule that kept black men of African descent from holding the priesthood. Now, members of all races can be ordained. The church also started a welfare system during the Great Depression. It helps people in need and works with other groups like Catholic Relief Services.

The church has also faced challenges to its beliefs. These include questions about its history and its views on women, black people, and homosexuality.

What Latter-day Saints Believe

Latter-day Saints believe in the resurrection of Jesus. This statue is in Salt Lake City.

God and Jesus Christ

Latter-day Saints believe in a Godhead made of God the Father, his son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They believe these three are separate beings who work together with one purpose. This is different from the idea of the Trinity in many other Christian faiths. Latter-day Saints believe God the Father and Jesus Christ have physical bodies. The Holy Ghost does not.

Church leaders have said that God the Father is married to a Heavenly Mother. They believe all human spirits are children of these Heavenly Parents. However, members are told not to pray to Heavenly Mother.

Church members believe Jesus Christ is the true Son of God and the Messiah. They believe he was crucified and later resurrected. They also see Jesus as the older brother of everyone on Earth. The church teaches that Jesus's substitutionary atonement began in the Garden of Gethsemane and continued through his crucifixion. They also believe Jesus appeared to other people after his death, including ancient Americans.

The church teaches that Jesus is the real founder and leader of the church. They believe Joseph Smith simply re-established the same church that Jesus and his first Apostles had. They also believe Jesus leads the church today through its apostles and prophets.

How it Compares to Other Christian Beliefs

The LDS Church shares some beliefs with other Christian groups. These include belief in the Bible, Jesus's divinity, his atonement, and resurrection. However, the LDS Church has different ideas about the nature of God. It also teaches about a plan of salvation that includes three heavens. It has a doctrine of exaltation, where humans can become like gods in the afterlife. The church also believes in continuing revelation and new scripture. It has unique ceremonies done privately in temples.

Many major Christian groups see the LDS Church as separate from traditional Christianity. But church members see themselves as Christians. The faith believes that after Jesus and his first apostles died, the true church and its authority were lost. They believe their church is a restoration of that early Christian church. They say it is the only true church with authority from Jesus.

God's Plan and Our Journey

The church's beliefs about God's plan for us include a pre-existence, life on Earth, and three levels of heaven. They also teach about exaltation.

They believe every human spirit is a child of a Heavenly Father. Each person can keep learning and growing forever. They can eventually achieve eternal life, which means becoming one with God, just as Jesus Christ is one with the Father. This allows God's children to become divine beings, or gods, themselves. This process is called exaltation. It includes families being together after the resurrection. To reach this state, the church teaches that people must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, keep the commandments, and take part in special ceremonies.

Latter-day Saints believe that men and women can be "sealed" to each other in temples. This means their marriage can continue forever. Children can also be sealed to their parents. This creates lasting family bonds beyond death. Many important ceremonies can be done for people who have died, like baptism for the dead. The church teaches that everyone will have a chance to hear and accept Jesus's teachings, either in this life or after death.

The church sees the fall of Adam and Eve as a good thing. They teach it was needed for people to experience life away from God. This allows them to make their own choices for their happiness.

Restoring Truths

Latter-day Saints believe Joseph Smith was called as a prophet through a visit from God the Father and Jesus Christ.

The LDS Church teaches that after Jesus and his first apostles died, his church and its authority were lost. This happened because of attacks from outside and changes from within. The "restoration" means the return of true priesthood power, spiritual gifts, ceremonies, living prophets, and revelation. This is like the early Christian Church. This restoration helps prepare the Earth for the Second Coming of Jesus. Latter-day Saints believe angels appeared to Joseph Smith and others. They gave them different priesthood authorities.

Church Leadership

Russell M. Nelson, the current president of the church since 2018.

The church is led by a president. He is seen as a "prophet, seer, and revelator." Members call him "the Prophet" or "the President of the Church." They believe he is the only person allowed to receive revelation from God for the whole church. When he speaks for God, his words are considered very important. Important new teachings are often given by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Latter-day Saints believe Joseph Smith was the first modern prophet.

Usually, the Prophet and two other chosen apostles form the First Presidency. Twelve other apostles form the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. When a president dies, the next president is always the longest-serving apostle. Apostles are chosen by the church president when another apostle dies. After President Thomas S. Monson died in 2018, Russell M. Nelson became president.

The church has many leaders who serve full-time. These include the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other general authorities. They lead the church worldwide. Local churches are led by bishops. They are like pastors in other Christian faiths.

All active male members can be ordained to the priesthood, starting at age 11. This happens through a special ceremony. The priesthood has two parts: the Aaronic Priesthood for young men and the Melchizedek Priesthood for men aged 18 and older. Women are not formally ordained to the priesthood. However, they hold important leadership roles in some church organizations.

Every active church member is asked to take on a "calling." This is a position of responsibility within the church. Most callings are volunteer positions. Members also volunteer to clean local church buildings.

Home and Family Life

A couple after their marriage in the Manti Utah Temple. The church teaches that temple marriages can continue after death.

The church and its members believe marriage and family are very important. They focus on strong, traditional families. In 1995, church leaders issued "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." This document states that marriage is between one man and one woman. It says the family is "central to the Creator's plan." It also teaches that gender is important for who we are. Fathers and mothers have different but equal roles in raising children. It says successful families are built on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Latter-day Saints are encouraged to have a "Family Home Evening" once a week, usually on Monday. Families gather to study gospel principles and do other activities together. Daily family prayer is also encouraged.

Sources of Beliefs

The main books of scripture for the church are called the standard works.

The beliefs of the LDS Church come from the Bible and modern revelations. These include teachings from Joseph Smith and other church leaders. The most important sources are the four "standard works" of scripture. These are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

The Book of Mormon is a very important book for the church. The names "Mormon" and "Mormonism" come from this book. The church teaches that an angel named Moroni told Smith about golden plates. He found them buried in Hill Cumorah and translated them. The book tells the history of an ancient society in the Americas. It also shares their Christian teachings. Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon is a very perfect book.

The Bible is also part of the church's scripture. They believe it is the word of God, but they acknowledge that some parts might have been translated incorrectly or lost. The church mostly uses the Authorized King James Version. Some parts of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible are also considered scripture. Other revelations from Smith are in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.

Another source of important teachings comes from the current Apostles and members of the First Presidency. The church teaches that these leaders are prophets. They are authorized to teach God's word.

Individual members also believe they can receive personal revelation from God. This helps them in their lives and to understand truth. This usually happens through thoughts and feelings from the Holy Ghost when they pray. Members can also receive special blessings from priesthood holders. Patriarchal blessings are special blessings given only once in a person's life.

Practices of the Church

Sacred Ceremonies

Baptism by immersion is very important in the LDS Church. This picture from the 1850s shows the white clothing used.

In the church, an ordinance is a sacred rite or ceremony. It has spiritual meanings and helps people receive God's grace. Ordinances are physical actions that show a spiritual act. For some, it means making a promise to God. Ordinances are usually done by someone with priesthood authority.

The ordinance of baptism connects a person to Jesus Christ. It is believed to help them be saved if they keep their promises to him. Baptism is done by fully immersing a person in water. It is usually done for children starting at age eight.

Church members believe that through temple ceremonies like temple sealing and temple endowment, they can reach the highest level of salvation. This means living with God forever, continuing as families, and becoming like gods. Baptisms for the dead and other temple ceremonies for those who have died are also done in temples.

Other ceremonies in the church include confirmation, the sacrament (like communion), and priesthood ordination.

Health Guidelines

The LDS Church asks its members to follow a health code called the Word of Wisdom. This means they do not drink alcohol, coffee, or tea. They also do not use tobacco or illegal drugs. The Word of Wisdom also suggests eating healthy foods like herbs and grains, and eating meat in moderation.

When Joseph Smith first shared the Word of Wisdom in 1833, it was advice. Later, in the 1890s, church leaders began to emphasize it more. In 1921, it became a requirement to enter the church's temples. Since then, the church has focused on avoiding coffee, tea, tobacco, and alcohol.

Giving Back

Church members are expected to donate one-tenth of their income to support the church. This is called tithing. In the 1830s, members often tithed with livestock or crops. Today, donations are usually money.

To take part in temple ceremonies, members must pay a full tithe. Members are also encouraged to fast (not eat or drink) on the first Sunday of each month for two meals. They donate at least the cost of those skipped meals as a "fast offering." The church uses this money to help people in need and for humanitarian efforts.

Local church leaders are not paid. Full-time missionaries usually pay for their own missions.

Missionary Service

Missionaries usually serve for 18–24 months full-time.

Young men in the LDS Church are expected to serve a two-year, full-time mission. Missionaries do not choose where they serve or the language they will speak. They pay for their own missions or get help from their families. Young men must be between 18 and 25 and have finished high school. Missionaries work in areas called missions, led by an older adult male. As of 2020, there were 407 missions.

Missionary service is not required to be a church member. Unmarried women aged 19 to 29 can also serve missions, usually for 18 months. Retired couples are also encouraged to serve missions for 6–23 months. These senior missionaries might help with humanitarian aid or family history. Other members who cannot serve full-time away from home can serve local missions. They might help at Temple Square or in church schools.

Sunday Observance

Church members are expected to keep Sundays as a day of rest and worship. Weekly worship meetings are held only on Sundays. Shopping and recreation are discouraged on Sundays.

Worship and Meetings

Weekly Gatherings

Interior of a typical Sunday sacrament meeting in Provo, Utah.

Meetings for worship and study are held in meetinghouses. The main Sunday meeting is the Sacrament meeting. During this meeting, the sacrament (like communion) is passed to members. Sacrament meetings also include prayers, singing hymns, and talks by church members. Other weekly meetings include Sunday School and separate meetings for women (the Relief Society).

Church congregations are organized by location. Members usually attend the church in their assigned area. However, some areas have separate congregations for young single adults or for people who speak different languages. Sunday services are held in larger groups called wards or smaller groups called branches. Larger regional church groups include stakes, missions, and areas.

The church's Young Men and Young Women groups meet once a week on a day other than Sunday for activities.

Temple Worship

The Salt Lake Temple.

In LDS belief, a temple is a holy building. It is called a "House of the Lord" and is more sacred than a regular church building. In temples, church members take part in very sacred ceremonies. These include marriage and an endowment ceremony. The endowment includes a washing and anointing, receiving a temple garment, and making promises to God. Baptisms for the dead and other temple ceremonies for those who have died are also done in temples.

Temples are considered the most sacred places on Earth. Temples that are open are not open to the public. To enter, church members must pass interviews with their leaders. They receive a special card called a temple recommend. Members are asked not to share details about temple ceremonies outside the temple. As of May 2023, there are 177 operating temples worldwide.

To perform ceremonies for family members who have died, the church encourages members to do genealogical research. The church runs FamilySearch, which is the largest genealogical organization in the world.

Conferences

Inside the LDS Conference Center where the church holds its General Conferences twice a year.

Twice a year, in April and October, church leaders speak to the worldwide church. This is called general conference. These meetings are translated into many languages. They are broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. During this conference, members formally show their support for the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets.

Local church groups also hold conferences twice a year. Wards hold conferences once a year.

Church Organization

Name and Legal Status

The church teaches it is a continuation of the Church of Christ started by Joseph Smith in 1830. Its name changed several times in the 1830s. After Smith died, Brigham Young and his followers officially named it "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" in 1851.

Common informal names include the LDS Church and the Mormon Church. The church asks that its full official name be used. In 2018, church president Russell M. Nelson asked members and others to stop using "LDS" and "Mormon" to refer to the church. He asked them to use its full official name. Because of this, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was renamed the "Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square."

The church is legally set up as a corporation in Utah. Intellectual Reserve is a non-profit company owned by the church. It holds the church's copyrights and trademarks.

Church Service and Leadership

The LDS Church has a leadership structure run by its male members. Church-wide leaders are called general authorities. They lead the church and guide local leaders. General authorities and mission presidents work full-time for the church and receive some money. They speak in general conference and visit local churches. They also speak to youth at church schools like Brigham Young University (BYU). Local churches are usually led by bishops.

All active males are generally considered for the priesthood. They are ordained as young as age 11. Ordination happens when hands are placed on the person's head. The priesthood has two parts: the Aaronic priesthood for young men (11+) and the Melchizedek priesthood for men (18+). Some church leaders and scholars have talked about women holding priesthood power. However, women are not formally ordained to the priesthood. They do not perform public priesthood duties. Since 2013, a group called Ordain Women has asked for women to be formally ordained. In 2019, LDS women gained the right to be witnesses for baptisms.

Programs and Organizations

The campus of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. It is one of several schools sponsored by the church.

The church runs programs for missionary work, education, and welfare. Many of these are part of the Priesthood Correlation Program. This program helps keep church practices and teachings consistent worldwide.

The church also runs the Church Educational System (CES). This includes BYU, BYU–Idaho, BYU–Hawaii, and Ensign College. It also has Institutes of Religion near many colleges. For high school students, the church has a four-year Seminary program. This provides religious classes. The church also has a loan program called the Perpetual Education Fund. This helps students from developing nations get an education.

The church's Family History Library is the world's largest library for genealogical research.

The church's welfare system started in the 1930s. It helps the poor. Members are asked to fast once a month and donate the money they would have spent on those meals. This money helps run Bishop's storehouses, which provide food at low cost. Local bishops manage the distribution of food and funds. The church also gives money through its Philanthropies group to help disaster victims worldwide.

Other church programs include Family Services, which offers counseling. The Church History Department collects church records. The Family History Department runs FamilySearch, the world's largest family history organization. The church also owns buildings like Temple Square and the Church Office Building.

Church Finances

Since 1941, the church has been a tax-exempt organization in the U.S. Donations are tax-deductible. The church has not released official financial statements since 1959. Because of this, people have tried to estimate its wealth.

In 1997, Time magazine called the LDS Church one of the wealthiest churches per person. The church says its businesses and non-profit groups are audited by outside professionals.

The church receives a lot of money from tithes and fast offerings. It has been estimated that its wealth grew by about $15 billion each year in the 2010s. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it grew by $22 billion. A 2020 estimate by The Wall Street Journal said the church's investment fund was worth around $100 billion.

The church's money is held in various companies. These include Bonneville International (media), KSL (TV station), Deseret Book Company (bookstore), and farms. It also owns banks, insurance companies, hotels, and real estate. An investigation in 2022 suggested the church might own the most valuable real estate in the U.S., worth at least $15.7 billion. The church's investment firm, Ensign Peak Advisors, reported managing $37.8 billion in financial investments in 2020. By mid-2023, its assets were estimated to be over $163 billion.

Church Culture

Because of its unique beliefs and history, members of the church have developed a distinct culture. This culture is mainly found in the Mormon corridor in the western U.S.

Many of the church's unique practices come from the Word of Wisdom. This includes not using tobacco, alcohol, coffee, or tea. They also observe Sabbath-day rules, like not shopping or doing recreation. Some common foods include funeral potatoes and Jello salad. The culture also discourages piercings and tattoos. The church advises against using crosses as symbols of worship.

Media and Arts

The Church-sponsored Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square has won many awards.

LDS-themed media includes movies, books, websites, and art. The church owns bookstores called Deseret Book. Church leaders have written books sold through this store. BYU TV, the church's TV station, airs on several networks. The church also puts on several pageants each year. These show events from early church history. Its Easter pageant is called the "largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world." The church encourages entertainment that is free of violence or bad language. Many members avoid R-rated movies.

The church's official choir, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, started in the mid-1800s. They perform in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. They have traveled to over 28 countries and are a famous choir. The choir has won a Grammy Award and other awards.

Political Involvement

Church president Thomas S. Monson (left) and apostle Dallin H. Oaks (right) with U.S. president Barack Obama in 2009.

The LDS Church generally does not take sides in politics. But it encourages members to be active citizens. This includes learning about issues and voting. The church says its values can be found in many political parties. It also generally does not take sides in global conflicts.

A 2012 survey showed that 74 percent of U.S. members lean towards the Republican Party. Some members who are more liberal feel they have to explain their beliefs because of political differences.

The church's stance on staying out of politics changes if it sees moral issues. Or if issues directly affect its mission or teachings. For example, it opposed same-sex marriage in California. It supported a gay rights bill in Salt Lake City that bans discrimination. It has also opposed gambling and nuclear waste storage in Utah. In 2019 and 2021, the church opposed the Equality Act. But it supports other laws that protect both LGBTQ rights and religious freedom. In 2022, the church supported the Respect for Marriage Act. This law made same-sex marriage legal in the U.S. It included "protections for religious freedom."

In the U.S. Congress, there are nine LDS Church members. This includes all six members from Utah. Utah's current governor, Spencer Cox, is also a church member. Mitt Romney, a U.S. Senator, was the Republican candidate for president in 2012.

Church Members Around the World

Pew 2014 U.S. Religious Landscape Study	LDS (U.S.)	U.S. Avg.
Married	66%	49%
Divorced or separated	7%	11%
Have children under 18	41%	31%
Attendance at religious services (weekly or more)	77%	40%

The church reports having 17 million members worldwide. "Membership" includes everyone who was baptized or whose parents were members when they were young. It does not include those who left the church. As of 2019, about 9.6 million members live outside the United States.

Pew Research Center 2014 Survey: Ethnicity	LDS (U.S.)	U.S. (2020)
White	85%	62%
Black	1%	12%
Latino	8%	12%
Asian	1%	6%
Other/Multiracial	5%	21%

The church is the fourth largest religious group in the United States. While the church does not share attendance numbers, researchers estimate about 4 million members attend weekly services worldwide. About 46 percent of members live in the U.S. and Canada. 38 percent are in Latin America, and 16 percent are in other parts of the world. A 2012 survey found about 2 percent of U.S. adults identified as Mormon.

Membership is strongest in the Mormon corridor in the western U.S. Church members settled this area in the mid-to-late 1800s.

The church grew a lot in the late 1900s, but growth has slowed since then.

The church grew very quickly in the 1900s, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. However, in the 21st century, membership growth has slowed. In 2022, most of the fastest-growing areas were in Africa. Latino people are also a fast-growing group, with millions of members in Latin America.

In the United States, church members tend to have more education than the general population. The church's membership in the U.S. is mostly white. The number of black members is much lower than in the general U.S. population.

The LDS Church does not release official numbers on how active its members are. But it is likely that only about 40 percent of members in the U.S. and 30 percent worldwide regularly attend Sunday services. A 2016 survey found that most young adults (54%) raised in the church had stopped being active. Inactivity often happens between ages 16 and 25. Young single adults are more likely to become inactive than married members. Women tend to be more active than men.

Helping Others: Humanitarian Services

U.S. Navy sailors moving humanitarian supplies donated by the LDS Church to Beirut, Lebanon, in 2006.

The LDS Church is well-known for its worldwide humanitarian service. The church's welfare and humanitarian efforts are managed by Philanthropies. This is a church department under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. Welfare efforts started during the Great Depression. They help the poor using donations from church members. Donations also help run bishop's storehouses. These storehouses package and store food for people with lower incomes. They also provide other local services. In 2016, the church reported it had spent $1.2 billion on humanitarian aid over 30 years.

Church humanitarian aid includes helping with food, clean water, mobility, and healthcare. It also runs thrift stores. The church has a website for service projects. It also funds or partners with other organizations. The church reported that its charitable donations in 2021 were $906 million. Independent reports found that the church's charity group, LDS Charities, gave $177 million from 2008 to 2020.

The church also sends money and aid to disaster victims worldwide. In 2017, it worked with Catholic Relief Services to help African and Middle Eastern nations. In 2010, it partnered with Islamic Relief to help flood victims in Pakistan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Latter-day Saint Charities increased food production. It also donated healthcare supplies to 16 countries. The church has donated $4 million to help refugees from the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, the church gave $32 million to the United Nations World Food Programme. This was its largest single donation to a humanitarian organization at that time.