Latter-day Saint neighbors

About 2 in 100 American adults belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Worldwide, the church reports nearly 17.9 million members.

Start with the name

The church asks to be called by its full name: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For short, it prefers “the Church of Jesus Christ.” Members prefer to be called Latter-day Saints, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ.

You’ve probably heard “Mormon” and “LDS.” The church’s own style guide asks people not to use those as nicknames for the church or its members. “Book of Mormon” is still the name of the book. If that feels like a lot to remember, consider that most of us managed to learn “Prince” and “the artist formerly known as Prince.” We can do this.

Latter-day Saints see themselves as Christians who follow a restored church of Jesus Christ. Many other Christian churches disagree on key teachings. That’s a real argument, and it belongs in a real conversation, not on a sign.

Missions

Many young members serve full-time missions. Young men can start at 18 and usually serve two years. Young women can also start at 18 and usually serve 18 months. Missionaries go where they’re assigned, often to another state or country, and often learn a new language. The church reports more than 78,000 missionaries serving in 451 missions.

So when two young people in white shirts and name tags knock, they’re somebody’s kids. They’re a long way from home. You don’t have to agree with them to offer a glass of water.

The Word of Wisdom

The Word of Wisdom is a health code that members trace to an 1833 revelation to Joseph Smith, the church’s founder. Members avoid alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea. The church also teaches avoiding vaping and other harmful or addictive drugs.

So if your Latter-day Saint neighbor turns down a coffee, it’s not personal. Offer hot chocolate. It’s allowed, and you’ll be a hero.

Family

Family sits near the center of Latter-day Saint life. Many families set aside one evening a week for time together at home. Members believe families can be together forever. Temple ceremonies, called sealings, bind husbands, wives and children together beyond this life.

Sunday worship happens in local meetinghouses, which anyone may visit. Temples are different. They’re set apart for sacred ceremonies, and only members in good standing go inside once a temple is dedicated.

What many Latter-day Saint neighbors wish you knew

The church stopped the practice of polygamy more than a century ago, and it asks reporters to say it has no connection to groups that practice it today. Most members you meet are busy running carpools, youth activities and casserole brigades. When something goes wrong on your street, they are often the first to show up with a truck.

Try it on

The last time missionaries knocked, did you hide, argue, or offer a glass of water? Did you see two kids, or a sales pitch?