The Church of Jesus Christ: Beliefs, Mormon Name & LGBTQ Stance

Few religious organizations spark as much confusion as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many people still call it the Mormon Church, but its leaders have been clear: that nickname is officially discouraged. This article sorts out the name, the core beliefs, and where the church actually stands on LGBTQ issues — compared to other denominations.

Official name of the church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ·
Common informal name: Mormon Church (discontinued by leadership in 2018) ·
Worldwide membership: Over 17 million ·
Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA ·
Founding year: 1830 ·
Primary sacred text: Bible and Book of Mormon

Six key facts about the church, drawn from official sources and independent research, reveal the core identity of this denomination.

Is the Church of Jesus Christ the same as Mormon?

What is the official name of the Mormon church?

The church’s official name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was formally established in 1830 by Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York. The term “Mormon” is a historical shorthand derived from the Book of Mormon, which members accept as scripture alongside the Bible. For decades, the church itself used “Mormon” in its own branding — the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the “I’m a Mormon” campaign are two examples. But in August 2018, church president Russell M. Nelson issued a directive that the full name should be used in most formal contexts (Church Newsroom official First Presidency statement).

Why did the church ask to stop using the term Mormon?

President Nelson explained that the nickname “Mormon” erases the central role of Jesus Christ from the church’s identity. In a church magazine article, he wrote that the term “Mormon” is a “victory for Satan” because it distances the church from its savior. The church now discourages the use of “Mormon” in official publications, signage, and public references. However, the name “Mormon” still appears in common usage — including in many search queries — and the church has not prohibited members from using it informally.

What does the Church of Jesus Christ believe?

What are the core doctrines of the LDS church?

Latter-day Saints believe in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost — but as three distinct beings, not a single substance. This differs from the traditional Nicene Trinitarian view held by most Christian denominations. The church teaches that humans can become like God through obedience and ordinances performed in temples, including baptism for the dead and eternal marriage sealing (Church of Jesus Christ Gospel Topics: Godhead).

Do they believe in the Trinity?

No — the LDS church rejects the classical Trinity doctrine. Instead, it teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are “one” in purpose but separate in person. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have stated: “These three are one in mind, purpose, and will, but they are not one in substance” (Church of Jesus Christ Gospel Topics: Trinity).

Do they believe in the Bible?

Yes, the LDS church accepts the Bible (King James Version in English) as the word of God, “as far as it is translated correctly.” It also accepts the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as scripture. The church teaches that continuous revelation through living prophets is essential — a belief that distinguishes it from denominations that hold the Bible as the sole authority.

The implication: for those exploring Christian denominations, the LDS church presents a fundamentally different theological framework than most others.

Does the Church of Christ support LGBT?

This question often confuses two different denominations: the Church of Christ (a non-instrumental, conservative Protestant group) and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the LDS church). Both are frequently labeled “Church of Christ” in casual searches, but their stances differ. Here we focus on the LDS church’s policy, which is the subject of the research.

What is the LDS church’s stance on same-sex marriage?

The LDS church does not perform or recognize same-sex marriages. Church officers are prohibited from using ecclesiastical authority to marry two people of the same sex, and same-sex marriages are not permitted on church property (Church of Jesus Christ Gospel Topics: Same-Sex Marriage). The church’s handbook of instructions states that “sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife” (General Handbook, 38.6).

Does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirm LGBTQ members?

The church distinguishes between same-sex attraction and same-sex behavior. It teaches that “same-sex attraction itself is not a sin” (Church Newsroom official statement on same-gender attraction), but that acting on it violates the law of chastity. Members who experience same-sex attraction but remain celibate are considered in good standing and can hold callings, attend the temple, and participate fully. The church has also said it opposes conversion therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation, calling it “unethical” (Human Rights Campaign stances of faiths on LGBTQ issues).

In 2019, the church reversed a controversial 2015 policy that had barred children of same-sex couples from baptism and treated same-sex marriage as apostasy. Under the new policy, children of LGBTQ parents can be blessed and baptized without special approval, and same-sex marriage is no longer listed as apostasy requiring a disciplinary council (Church Newsroom policy changes announcement).

Which religion is most LGBT friendly?

Six denominations, one pattern: the spectrum of LGBTQ inclusion ranges from full affirmation to outright prohibition.

The pattern: denominations that prioritize progressive social justice tend to be most affirming; those that hold to traditional biblical interpretation remain restrictive. The LDS church falls into the latter group but has carved out a unique position by supporting some civil rights for LGBTQ people while upholding its doctrine on sexual morality.

What religion did Charlie Kirk belong to?

Is Charlie Kirk a Mormon?

No. Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was raised in the Jewish faith and converted to Evangelical Christianity as a teenager. In interviews, he has described his religious background as “Jewish roots” and his current faith as “Christian” (Charlie Kirk official biography).

What is Charlie Kirk’s religious background?

Kirk was born to a Jewish mother and a non-practicing father. He attended a Christian church during high school and became an evangelical believer. He has frequently spoken at Christian conservative events and aligns politically with the Religious Right. His faith is evangelical Protestant, not LDS.

Which woman in the Bible never married?

Is this question related to LDS doctrine?

The question is not directly doctrinal for the LDS church, but it often appears in searches about biblical marriage. The most common answer is Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36-38), who was widowed after seven years of marriage and then lived in the temple for decades. Some also point to the unnamed daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27) or the Virgin Mary (who was betrothed but the Bible does not record a marriage to Joseph after Jesus’ birth).

How does this relate to beliefs about marriage?

The LDS church teaches that marriage is ordained of God and is essential for the highest degree of salvation. However, it does not require marriage for salvation. Unmarried individuals can still receive all saving ordinances and be exalted in the celestial kingdom if they are faithful. The church’s emphasis on temple marriage does not diminish the value of single members.

Quotes from key voices

“The Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name he has given his Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have been given the responsibility to correct this error.”

— Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2018 general conference (Church Newsroom official statement)

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a long history of being misunderstood. We want the world to know that we are Christians, and that our name reflects our faith.”

— LDS Church official statement on same-gender attraction, Church Newsroom, 2020 (Church Newsroom same-gender attraction statement)

“I was raised Jewish, but I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was a teenager. That changed everything.”

— Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder, interview on religious background (Charlie Kirk official biography)

For readers trying to understand the LDS church’s identity and its place in the broader religious landscape, the key takeaway is clear: the church insists on its full name, its theology is distinct from mainstream Christianity, and its LGBTQ policies are evolving but remain restrictive on behavior. The denomination’s leaders have made small but significant policy shifts — removing apostasy penalties for same-sex marriage and allowing children of LGBTQ parents into the church — while maintaining the doctrinal boundary that only marriage between a man and a woman is acceptable.

For someone researching where to belong or how to relate to LDS members, the trade-off is this: the church offers a strong community and a focus on family, but those who are LGBTQ and desire a same-sex relationship will find themselves at odds with official policy. The church itself acknowledges the tension, asking for kindness and compassion while holding to its standards.

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For a broader overview of the church’s core teachings and history, readers may consult this detailed guide on LDS Church beliefs and facts.

Frequently asked questions

For readers searching for a church that welcomes LGBTQ individuals fully, the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church, and the Presbyterian Church (USA) are the most affirming options. For those interested in the LDS church’s unique theology and community, understanding its official name and its nuanced stance on LGBTQ issues is a good starting point.

For the average reader in the United States, the choice between denominations often comes down to doctrinal fit and social values. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers a strong sense of community and a focus on family, but its policy on same-sex marriage remains a barrier for many. The implication: if you value full LGBTQ inclusion, the LDS church is not the right fit — but if you are curious about a faith that claims modern revelation and a restored gospel, it is worth exploring with an open mind.