Basic Mormon Facts

I read this quote today and I thought it was a good small list of some basic things that I think many members and non-members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints don't know. I think one of the coolest ones is that we are the fourth largest Christian religions in America.


"Some facts [that] might [help others understand Latter-day Saints] include:

• "First, 'Mormon' is a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Members are often referred to as 'Mormons,' 'Latter day Saints,' or 'LDS.' The term 'Saint' means 'member.'
  
• "Second, the Church was restored in 1830 in upstate New York with Joseph Smith as its first prophet and president. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, with President Gordon B. Hinckley as the present prophet.
  
• "Third, there are now over 13 million members in 176 countries and territories. About 6 million of these are in the United States, making us the fourth largest Christian denomination in America. As one of the fastest growing Christian faiths in the world, we complete a new chapel every working day. Members pay a tithe, which is 10 percent of their income, making this and other programs possible.
  
• "Fourth, local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions. "
• "Fifth, Mormons are well represented in politics and government. . . . Members also serve in high and trusted positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports, and entertainment."

(M. Russell Ballard, "Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 25 26)