Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints an American church?
This article was contributed by a local member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed may not represent the views and positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For the Church's official site, visit churchofjesuschrist.org.
by Alex Perry and Radi Stafford
No, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not an American Church.
When Christ was on the Earth He formed His Church and called 12 Apostles to help Him lead it. After establishing His Church and Gospel, Christ was crucified, resurrected after three days, and later returned to Heaven. Unfortunately, the people rejected His teachings and killed His apostles, meaning God’s authority and power were taken from the Earth. As I have understood in my study, the Church that Christ established anciently gave way to unbelief and false doctrine from the world with the death of the aposltes. I also believe that Christ’s true Church along with His authority and power began to be restored again to the Earth by God through the prophet Joseph Smith. Members also understand that Christ leads The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through His prophets and apostles in these Latter-days.
Though the Church was restored in America, this does not make the Church of Jesus Christ an American Church. With the Lord as the head, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global Church that welcomes all to participate. Since 1830, the Church has grown all across the world! There are many groups of Latter-day Saints in over 160 countries, including Italy! The living prophet on the Earth today, President Russell M. Nelson, stated: “Truly, the blessings of the gospel are for every race, language, and people. The Church of Jesus Christ is a global church. Jesus Christ is our leader.”
