Mormon Religion
What's a Mormon?
Basic Beliefs and Facts about the Mormon Faith The official name of the "Mormon Church" is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

As a church, they have been around since 1830, but believe that they are a restoration of the church as it was originally established by Jesus Christ when he was on the earth. The best description of this comes from Mormon.org:

"When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, He organized His Church so that all people could receive His gospel and return one day to live with God, our Heavenly Father. After Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, His Apostles continued to receive revelation from Him on how to direct the work of His Church. However, after they were killed, members changed the teachings of the Church that He had established. While many good people and some truth remained, this Apostasy, or general falling away from the truth, brought about the withdrawal of the Church from the earth. The Apostle Peter prophesied that Jesus would restore His Church before His Second Coming (Acts 3:19–21). Jesus Christ began to restore His Church in its fullness to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820. It has grown to become a worldwide Church with over 12 million members. It has the same teachings and basic organization as the Church established by Jesus in New Testament times."

The name "Mormon" comes from a book of scripture called the Book of Mormon which they believe is another testament of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon documents the descendents of an ancient prophet, Lehi, who took his family from Jerusalem and was led to what is now North and South America. The highlight of the book is a visit by the Savior after his death and resurrection in Jerusalem. The book contains the doctrines and teachings that were followed by these ancient people. Their religious beliefs stemmed from a book of scripture they brought with them from Jerusalem called the Brass Plates and from continuing revelation from God. Today, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to study the Book of Mormon and the Bible to understand the life and teachings of the Savior. They are also encouraged to seek out answers for themselves through study, fasting and prayer. Their Church is led today by a prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley and a quorum of twelve Apostles who continue to receive revelation and are considered the Lord's mouthpieces on the earth.

More information from Mormon.org:

• Today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide religion.
• The Church: Has over 12 million members, more than half of whom live outside the United States.
• Is represented by over 50,000 missionaries in 162 countries.
• Has published more than 100 million copies of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, in over 93 languages.
• Has more than 100 temples worldwide.
• Has congregations throughout the world where members and visitors meet each Sunday to worship and learn.
• Prints monthly magazines in 50 languages for adults, youth, and children.