MormonFAQ

Mormon FAQ page is under construction.

The purpose of this page is two-fold:

1. to provide factual information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons, the LDS Church);
2. to provide reporters and other authors with advice on the consistent use of words, names, places and other elements in writing about the Church and related restorationist groups.

It is hoped that the information given will be helpful to journalists and others who write about restorationist faiths and their members, doctrines, practices, or beliefs.

Disclosure statment:While this page is sponsored by a pro-LDS group, every effort has been made to take a neutral position on the issues presented here. There may be links in some of the entries. Be forewarned that following those links may lead to information that is likely sponsored by sources favorable to the religions described.

WHO ARE THEY?

Restorationist Faiths.

Restorationist faiths or churches are defined as all faiths who can trace their origins to Joseph Smith, Jr. [1805-1844] and the religious manifestations that he reported during his life. Restorationist movements either spring directly from the religious community founded by Smith, or via separation from some other restorationist faith(s), much as Protestant groups broke with Roman Catholicism and then fragmented further.

It is vital that writers maintain a neutral tone when reporting on events. This is of particular concern when the writer is a member of one of the restorationist churches. Pejoratives such as apostate or break-off should never be used to describe faith groups, except when directly citing a source. When this is done, it ought to be clear that the characterization belongs to the source, not the media.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)

This is the largest of all of the restorationist movements and is based in Salt Lake City. Note the lower case on the word "day" and the use of hyphenation. Also, since the starting "The" is part of the formal name of the Church, it should be capitalized, even if used in the middle of a sentence. http://www.lds.org/, http://www.mormon.org/

The Community of Christ (RLDS)

Previously known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This church is the only other world wide church with in the restorationist movement, and is headquartered in Independence, Mo. Note the lack of hyphenization in "Latter Day," and the fact that both words are capitalized.

http://www.cofchrist.org/

Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

This group was formally organized in 1991 in response to what they felt was the liberal direction of the Community of Christ (RLDS). Note the lack of hyphenization in "Latter Day," and the fact that both words are capitalized.

Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

This church also broke with the The Community of Christ over the issues of the ordination of women and other changes in that church. Note the lack of hyphenization in "Latter Day," and the fact that both words are capitalized.

http://www.theremnantchurch.com/

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS)

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS Church) is one of America's largest practitioners of plural marriage. The FLDS Church emerged in the 1930s largely because of the LDS Church's continued practice of excommunicating any practitioners of plural marriage. There is no connection between the FLDS Church and the LDS Church, as members of the FLDS church are mostly children or grandchildren of people who were excommunicated from the LDS church because of their practice of polygamy.

Note the lack of hyphenization in "Latter Day," and the fact that both words are capitalized.

Others

There are many other small denominations of restorationist churches. The purpose of this guide is not to list them all, but to make interested authors aware that they exist. The various denominations are not affiliated with each other, so it is important to correctly identify which denomination you are referring to in anything you may write. There is no "synod" or "umbrella group" of restorationist movements.

Mormon

The term Mormon was originally used as a pejorative to identify a person who believed in The Book of Mormon (some early critics also used the term Mormonite, but this quickly fell from favour.) While it may be tempting to use the label "Mormon" to identify all that that belong to a restorationist movement church, that would be incorrect. Using the term "Mormon" without additional modifiers has come to represent members of the Salt Lake City based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is not appropriate to identify members of the Community or Christ or members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as "Mormon" as that would be confusing. It becomes especially objectionable to the LDS church members to identify members of the FLDS as Mormons because the founders of that denomination were excommunicated from the LDS church.

ORGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led at the highest levels by two presiding quorums: The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (See LDS Newsroom - Organizational Structure of the Church)

The First Presidency

(See LDS.org Ensign Dec. 2005 - The Quorum of the First Presidency)

The First Presidency consists of the President of the Church—often referred to more informally as the Prophet of the Church—and counselors, generally two. Historically there have been occasions when more than two counselors were used, usually when the President of the Church had health issues that would not allow him to function at full administrative capacity.

Upon the death of a councelor, the President will call a replacement—such replacements generally come from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see below), but any faithful male may be called. If the current President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is called as a counselor in the First Presidency, then the next most senior Apostle is designated as Acting president of the Quorum while he serves in the First Presidency.

The First Presidency is automatically dissolved upon the death of the President—the councelors have no role or authority apart from him. If councelors were members of the Quorum of the Twelve prior to joining the First Presidency, they resume their previous place in the senority of that Quorum. If the President of the Quorum had been selected as a counselor then he resumes his duties as President of the Quorum.

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

(See LDS.org Ensign Sep. 2005 - The Twelve Apostles)

The second governing quorum of the Church is the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Quorum members are called by the First Presidency, and are ranked by seniority. The President of the Quorum is thus that quorum member who has served in the quorum for the longest period of time.

The President presides over this body, and assumes the leadership of the Church upon dissolution of the First Presidency. When this occurs, the pre-eminent function of this body is to reconstitute the First Presidency.

Exception: As noted above, councelors of the First Presidency resume their positions within the Quorum of the Twelve upon the death of the Church President, and are ranked by seniority. The longest-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve is always the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, even if he is a member of the First Presidency. For administrative reasons, however, the next-longest serving apostle will be designated the "Acting President" of the Quorum of the Twelve.

This situation actually exists at present—President Thomas S. Monson of the First Presidency is the longest-serving apostle after the current Church president. President Monson is thus "President of the Quorum of the Twelve." The next-longest serving apostle is Boyd K. Packer, designated the "Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve" because of President Monson's assignment in the First Presidency.

Succession in the Church

Historically, the longest-serving apostle will be chosen by the Quorum of the Twelve to replace a deceased president of the Church. Generally, this will be the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. If, however, the longest-serving apostle was a member of the First Presidency at the death of the Church president, when he resumes his place and senority within the the Quorum of the Twelve he becomes the presiding authority for both the Twelve and the Church.

Once the Quorum of the Twelve has designated a new President of the Church, the President chooses two councelors, generally from among the remaining apostles. This leaves the Quorum of the Twelve with eleven apostles remaining, and a replacement apostle is chosen. Being the most recently called, he assumes the lowest position of senority.

The Quorums of the Seventy

(See LDS.org Ensign Aug. 2005 - The Quorums of the Seventy)

The Quorums of the Seventy serve throughout the Church under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Seventies may help supervise large geographic areas, oversee missionary work, and represent the Church leadership around the globe. The Seventy are presided over by seven presidents that together form a quorum called the Presidents of the Seventy. The roles of the Seventy have, historically, been frequently adapted and altered to meet the needs of a growing Church.

First Quorum of Seventies

Members of the First Quorum of Seventy are called for life and serve full-time. They generally receive inactive "emeritus status" at age 75. They are general authorities of the Church, with world-wide responsibility, as assigned by the First Presidency and Twelve.

Second Quorum of Seventies

Members of the Second Quorum of Seventy serve full-time for a period of five years. After their term of service, they return to regular occupations and pursuits. They are general authorities of the Church, with world-wide responsibility, as assigned by the First Presidency and Twelve.

Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Quorums of Seventies

Members of these quorums are designated "Area Seventies," and continue their previous occupations. They receive assignments from The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, generally in geographic areas relatively close to their homes. Members of these quorums are considered "general officers," of the Church, but have no authority except as designated by the First President and Twelve. They can, however, be assigned to any duty anywhere in the world.

The specific quorums are assigned on the basis of geography:

• Third Quorum - The Third Quorum includes Area Seventies located in Europe and Africa.
• Fourth Quorum - The members of the Fourth Quorum live in Mexico, Central America, and the northern part of South America.
• Fifth Quorum - The Fifth Quorum members are in the western parts of the United States and Canada,
• Sixth Quorum - The members of the Sixth Quorum live in the central, southern, and eastern parts of the United States and Canada and in the Caribbean.
• Seventh Quorum - The Seventh Quorum members are located in Brazil and the southern areas of South America.
• Eigth Quorum - The Eighth Quorum members are located in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific islands, and the Philippines.

The Presiding Bishopric

(See LDS.org Ensign Jul. 2005 The Presiding Bishopric)

The Presiding Bishopric oversees the work of the Aaronic Priesthood throughout the Church. This includes work related to welfare, building construction and maintenance, and youth programs. The Presiding Bishopric also sits on the "Council for the Distribution of the Tithes," which oversees and manages the Church's financial affairs. NEED MORE HERE? Check membership of Council?

The Presiding Bishopric consists of a Bishop and two counselors.

Stake Leadership

(See LDS.org Ensign May 2000 - The Stake President)

At the local level, the highest governing body is the Stake presidency. A stake oversees a group of local congregations (called wards or branches). There are usually 5 to 12 wards and branches in a stake. The leadership form is patterned after the leadership of the Church. There is a Stake Presidency with a President and two counselors, and a high council of twelve men. Stake presidents report to and receive direction from the Presidency of the Seventy or the Area Presidency. Unlike the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, however, the high council has no seniority system. Replacement stake presidents are chosen by the Twelve Apostles or Seventies as assigned, and not necessarily from the high council. All positions in Stake and in Ward leadership are strictly filled by volunteer labor. There is no remuneration for serving in these "callings" so people who serve will also have a regular job outside of their church position. The Stake President also serves as the President of the High Priests Quorum in the Stake.

Stake Auxillaries

Most of the auxillary organizations at the ward level have a corresponding stake-level presidency. For example, there are stake level young mens and young womens presidencies, a stake level relief society presidency, and a stake level primary presidency. These presidencies serve as advisors to the Ward level presidencies and provide coordination when multiple wards participate in a project.

Local Leadership

Wards and Branches. Members of the Church are organized into congregations that meet together frequently for spiritual and social enrichment. Large congregations are called wards. Each ward is presided over by a bishop, assisted by two counselors.

Small congregations are called branches. Each branch is presided over by a branch president, assisted by two counselors. A branch may be organized when at least two member families live in an area and one of the members is a worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holder or a worthy priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. A stake, mission, or district presidency organizes and supervises the branch. A branch can develop into a ward if it is located within a stake.

Each ward or branch comprises a specific geographic area. Different organizations in the ward or branch contribute to the Lord’s work: high priests groups; elders quorums; the Relief Society, for women ages 18 years and older; Aaronic Priesthood quorums, for young men ages 12 through 17; the Young Women program, for young women ages 12 through 17; Primary, for children ages 18 months to 11 years; and the Sunday School, for all Church members ages 12 and older. Each of these organizations fulfills important roles in teaching the gospel, giving service, and supporting parents in their sacred duty to help their children become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. These organizations also work together to help members share the gospel with others.

The goal of a local congregation is to allow all members to contribute to its function so that all might be given the opportunity to serve. It is through service that members perfect themselves in love for their neighbor. If a ward becomes too large to allow all to participate it will generally be divided.

The Bishopric

(See LDS.org Ensign May 1999 - The Bishop and His Counselors)

A ward or local congregation is presided over by a Bishopric, which consists of a Bishop and two counselors. Bishops are chosen by stake presidents, and approved by the First Presidency prior to their call. It is a volunteer positions and the Bishop and his counselors receive no income for their position or labor. The Bishop is both Presiding High Priest in the ward and President of the Aaronic Priesthood. As presiding High Priest he watches over the congregation and ministers to the needs of the saints. As President of the Aaronic Priesthood he has a special duty to watch over the youth (ages 12-18) of the congregation and guide them.

In conjunction with other lay priesthood leaders, the Bishopric forms a committee called the Priesthood Executive Committee (PEC). This committee regulates the functioning of local priesthood units. The Bishopric, in conjuction with all other leadership of the ward and its auxilary organizations, form a committee called the Ward Correlation Committee. Through this committee, ward efforts are brought together in unity. The Bishop also presides over the Ward Welfare Committee that watches over members during sickness, financial distress, and other family emergencies. (See: LDS.org True to the Faith - Welfare)

Relief Society

(See LDS.org True to the Faith - Relief Society, Additional info at Wikipedia - Relief Society)

The woman's organization is titled "Relief Society". All women of age 18 or over are members of the Relief Society. It has a president and counselors drawn from its membership. The Relief Society president serves in two important councils of the local congregation. The Ward Correlation Committee, where ward efforts are harmonized, and the Welfare Committee, where physical needs of members of the ward are discussed and efforts are made to relieve sick, impoverished, and otherwise afflicted members. The Relief Society President is often called the "mother of the ward". She is often the first to hear of families in need, and her hands are often the first to respond to that need.

The Adult (Melchizedek) Priesthood

(See LDS.org True to the Faith - Melchizedek Priesthood)

Since the LDS Church has a lay ministry, all worthy male members will hold the priesthood. And, since one of the goals of the Church is to "Make bad men good, and good men better" the quorums will work to help men become worthy to hold the priesthood. Holding the priesthood does not require a man to be perfect, nor does it indicate a large amount of training such as might be expected in other faiths. A priesthood holder simply should have a desire to serve God and his fellow man. All priesthood members are expected to serve as home teachers to one or more families in the ward. The home teaching program encourages fellowship throughout the ward while allowing family needs to be brought back to the Bishop. There are two priesthood quorums in the LDS Ward, the High Priests Group and the Elders Quorum.

The High Priests Group

(See LDS.org Ensign Jun. 2005 - The High Priests Quorum)

The High Priests are actually organized on the stake level and the Stake President serves as President of the High Priests Quorum. To serve the High Priests at the local level a High Priest Group Leader is called, and he generally serves with one or more counselors. The High Priests generally are older men and recently the management of Ward Family History Consultants was placed under the High Priest Group Leader. The High Priests have always had an emphasis on Temple work and Family history.

Elders Quorum

(See LDS.org Ensign Apr. 2005 - The Effective Elders Quorum)

The Elders Quorum includes all men over the age of 18 who are not in High Priests Quorum. The Elder's quorum is presided over by a President and two counselors. Besides home teaching, Elders typically provide service through service projects in the ward to help reach out to those in need.

Youth Organizations

The Youth (Aaronic) Priesthood

(See LDS.ORG True to the Faith:Aaronic Priesthood Additional info at Wikipedia - Young Men)

Also known as the Young men. This organization includes young men from ages 12 to 18. It is subdivided into three groups; Deacons, Teachers, and Priests. In the USA and in many western european countries each of these has a corresponding scouting name; Deacons - Scouts, Teachers - Ventures, and Priests - Explorers. This represents the dual nature of this organization. On the Priesthood side each quorum has a President and two counselors taken from the quorum. (The Priests Quorum president is the Bishop and he calls a youth assistant to lead the quorum) On the scouting side there is a Young Mens President and two counselors called to oversee the Young Mens program. (Perhaps someone could word this better)

Deacons Quorum

(See LDS.org Ensign Jan. 2005 - The Deacons Quorum)

The Deacons Quorum includes all young men ages 12 and 13. This quorum is presided over by a president and two counselors chosen from the quorum. This quorum traditionally provides service by passing the sacrament and collecting fast offerings.

Teachers Quorum

(See LDS.org Ensign Feb. 2005 - The Teachers Quorum)

The Teachers Quorum includes all young men ages 14 and 15. This quorum is presided over by a president and two counselors chosen from the quorum. This quorum traditionally provides service by preparing the sacrament prior to sacrament meetings and disposing what remains after the meeting and cleaning sacramental trays. These young men also begin service as home teachers, serving as junior companions to Elders.

Priests Quorum

(See LDS.org Ensign Mar. 2005 - The Priests Quorum)

The Priests Quorum includes all young men ages 16 and 17, though it can include 18 year olds who haven't finished high school. This quorum is presided over by the Bishop but an assistant is chosen from the quorum to preside under direction of the Bishop. Traditionally this group blesses the sacrament during sacrament meetings and serves as home teachers. Generally they serve as junior companions to High Priests.

The Young Women

(Additional Info at Wikipedia - Young Women)

This group includes all young women ages 12 to 18. The young women are presided over by a President and two counselors, women who watch over and provide counsel to the youth presidencies of the subgroups. At one time this organization was know as the Young Womens Mutual Improvement Association or YWMIA. Remnants of this name persist. An example is the name of the 14-15 year old girls, MIA Maids.

Beehives

All young women ages 12 and 13. They are presided over by a President and two counselors drawn from their group.

MIA Maids

All young women ages 14 and 15. They are presided over by a president and two counselors drawn from their group.

Laurels

All young women ages 16 and 17, although an 18 year old may remain in this group until graduating from high school. They are presided over by a president and two counselors drawn from their group.

Sunday School

(See LDS.org - The Ward Sunday School Presidency)

Sunday School is presided over by a President and two counselors. Traditionally these are men, called to oversee the function of the Sunday School. All members over the age of 12 are listed in the Sunday School rolls and are encouraged to participate in the various Sunday School classes.

Primary

The children's organization is called "Primary." It is traditionally presided over by a presidency consisting of a president and two counselors, all women. The primary oversees the teaching of all children ages 3 to 12. A nursery for children 18 months to age 3 is also maintained through the primary organization during the time when parents are in Sunday School and Priesthood or Relief Society meetings.

TERMS

A

Aaronic Priesthood This is one of the two Latter-Day Saints priesthoods. It is made up of three offices Deacon, Teacher and Priest each with increasing duties. In the LDS Church it is generally given to young men starting at age 12. In the RLDS and most other restorationist churches it is given to adults most of the time. Capitalize both words. See priesthood.

Aaronic Order A communal restorationist faith in and around Esk-Dale, Utah.

anti-Mormon A term used to describe those who campaign against Mormon beliefs or practices. Some anti-Mormons write books, pamphlets and articles, while others protest outside of church buildings and conference centers while the Mormons worship. For an example of anti-Mormon activities, go here http://www.fairlds.org/Anti-Mormons/Street_Preachers.html. There are generally two different kinds of anti-Mormons. One comes from the Evangelical Christian group, while the other comes from the secular, usually ex-Mormon group. In writing articles, be aware that some who pass themselves off as experts on Mormonism have strong agendas and sometimes derive all of their income from writing and selling books antagonistic of the LDS church.

apostate Never use the word apostate to describe or label any church or person. If a church can trace its origins to another church, then it should be so stated. For example: The Restoration Church of Jesus Christ was formed by members of the RLDS Church in 1989.

Apostle A calling usually in reference to a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In the RLDS Church it may be used as a title, Apostle John Smith. Use the term Elder in the LDS Church, Elder John Smith. a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Area Authority Seventy

Articles of Faith

Auditorium, The Capitalize when referencing to the building (RLDS) at Independence, Mo.

B

baptism for the dead The practice of baptizing a person by proxy for a deceased person. Do not capitalize. This rite is performed most often in the temples of the LDS Church.

Barlow University A college in Colorado City, Arizona operated by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Barlow)

Beehive A term used for a class of young women age 12 or 13.

bishop A lay person called to oversee the operation of a local congregation (LDS) or to assist in the temporal affairs of the church in a given area (RLDS). Capitalize when part of the title. Bishop John Smith otherwise lower case as in the bishop's storehouse. In the RLDS and Temple Lot, etc. bishops have the general oversight and responsibility for all the temporal affairs of the church and its members.

Book of Commandments A book of scripture first published in 1833, consisting of revelations received by Joseph Smith. It was reissued in 1835 with additional revelations as the Doctrine and Covenants. The Book of Commandments is still used by the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and several other restorationist churches. .

Book of the Law of the Lord A book of scripture translated by James J. Strang in 1851. Used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strang) and related groups.

The Book of Mormon A book of scripture used by most, but not all, of the restorationist churches. Translated by Joseph Smith, Jr. it is also known as The Record of the Nephites by some churches. The LDS Church's media style guide gives the name as The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ which is rarely used even within the LDS Church. Citing scriptures from the Book of Mormon. Because the Book of Mormon has two different verse numbering systems in use it is important to cite verses from it in a consistent way. The numbering system used by the church about which the story is concerning should be used with the alternate system used afterwards. The two systems are noted as either LDS or RLDS. For example: 1Ne. 1:1 (1Ne. 1:1 RLDS) You should do this even in cases where the two numbering systems agree. Abbreviations of book titles The following are the accepted abbreviations.

• 1 Ne. 1 Nephi
• 2 Ne. 2 Nephi
• Jacob Jacob
• Enos Enos
• Jarom Jarom
• Omni Omni
• W of M Words of Mormon
• Mosiah Mosiah
• Alma Alma
• Hel. Helaman
• 3 Ne. 3 Nephi
• 4 Ne. 4 Nephi
• Morm. Mormon
• Ether Ether
• Moro. Moroni

Brigham Young University Also known as BYU or "The Y". A University in Provo, Utah operated by the LDS church. It is one of the largest private Universities in the West with approximately 27,000 daytime students. It has received many national recognitions and is ranked high in several categories. http://www.byu.edu

Brigham Young University-Idaho A University in Rexburg, Idaho operated by the LDS church. Formerly known as "Ricks College." http://www.byui.edu/

Brigham Young University-Hawaii A University in Laie, Hawaii operated by the LDS church. http://www.byuh.edu/

C

Celestial Kingdom

D

Deacon An office in the Aaronic Priesthood. In the LDS Church this office is generally given to boys at the age of 12. In the Community of Christ (RLDS) it is held by adults, both men and women. This office generally performs non-ecclesiastical duties such as collecting offerings and passing the sacrament (communion) to the congregation.

Doctrine and Covenants

E

Elder There are three uses for the term "Elder." First it is a level of priesthood that belongs to most male members between the ages of 18 and 50. Secondly, it is the title used when referring to all male LDS missionaries. Third, it is the title used when referring to members of the the Quorum of the Twelve, or the Seventy. For example, Thomas S. Monson may be referred to as "Elder Monson."

Endowment

Exaltation

F

Family Home Evening

Family Prayer

Fasting

Fast Offerings

Fast and Testimony Meeting On the first Sunday of each month, the members of the church fast. Then when they come to church, instead of their usual meeting they have an open pulpit and allow the members to stand and give their testimonies.

First Presidency

G

Garments After a member of the church goes to the temple, they wear garments as their underwear. It looks much like a t-shirt and boxer shorts. It is meant to remind the member of their covenants to God. Some anti-Mormons mockingly refer to this as "Magic Underwear" which is quite offensive to the members of the church.

General Authorities

General Conference The first weekend in April and the first weekend in October, all of the General Authorities of the church will meet in Salt Lake City in the conference center. They will give sermons and talks on a variety of subjects. It is broadcast all over the world and listened to by the members of the LDS church. You can see the talks from General Conference here http://www.lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,49-1-775,00.html

Gift of the Holy Ghost

Godhead

H

High Priest This is a level in the LDS priesthood given to most males over the age of 50, or to those who have served in Ward or Stake leadership positions.

Home Teaching

Homosexuality

I

Institute

J

Jesus Christ

Joseph Smith

L

Laurel

M

Melchizedek Priesthood

Mia Maid

P

Patriarch

Patriarchal Blessings

Pearl of Great Price

Priest a level in the LDS priesthood held by young men ages 16-18. It is also often held by newer male converts in the LDS church. In the Community of Christ (RLDS) the office of Priest as with other Priesthood offices is generally held by adults, both men and women.

'Primary the children's organization in the LDS church.

R

Relief Society the woman's organization within the LDS church. All women within the church belong to this organization.

S

Sabbath

Seminary

Stake

Stake Conference a meeting of the entire stake. It takes place twice a year. No other church meetings are held on the Sunday when Stake Conference is held.

T

Teacher There are two uses of this word among LDS. The first is the familiar term teacher, as in a Sunday School teacher. The second usage is for a position in the LDS priesthood that is reserved for young men age 14-16.

Telestial Kingdom The lowest kingdom of Glory in the LDS view of heaven.

Temple The temple is not a church building for normal Sunday meetings. It is a place of sacred worship and ceremonies.

Terrestrial Kingdom The middle kingdom of Glory in the LDS view of heaven.

Testimony This has two uses within the LDS church. First it is a description of belief, as in "He has a testimony of the gospel." Secondly, it is used to describe the verbal expression of that belief, as in "He bore his testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

Tithing Members of the LDS church pay 10% of their income to the church. It is totally up to the member to define what that income is.

W

Ward

Welfare

Word of Wisdom The health code followed by practicing Latter-day Saints (Mormons.) The current interpretation includes not drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, taking illegal drugs, drinking coffee, or black or green tea. Some Mormons also do not drink any caffeinated beverages.

Z

Zion