The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

So with Governor Mitt Romney running for President, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been in the spotlight a lot. There is much being said about our church that is untrue and I would hope that those who are unfamiliar with the doctrines taught in the church, that they would go to www.mormon.org or www.lds.org! These are the only two sights that have the "True Doctrines" and practices of this faith.
Listed below are the 13 Articles of Faith as presented to the Church by its first Prophet, Joseph Smith. Let me clarify, Joseph Smith was not the founder of the Church, he was the one chosen to Restore the ancient religion back on the earth. The founder of our faith is Jesus Christ, hence the church being called, "The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints".

Articles of Faith:

1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory.

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

These are the basic principles we teach and try to live by. Please remember, we are all human and people make mistakes. "He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone". We do not force our religion on others but invite all to find for themselves whether it be true or not. We are Christians, we believe in the same Christ as other Christian faiths. There is only one God, one Christ! We live conservative values, treasure family relationships, and uphold the institution of marriage between man and woman. We have a living Prophet who does speak to God and is his mouthpiece for us today, just as Moses did. Just as everyone else preaches tolerance and religious freedom, we too wish to remain free from persecution, so we may be free to worship God, under the divine Constitution of this great country. That is our right as it is every one's to believe whatever they feel is right!
In a couple of weeks, the Church will hold its Annual General Conference. I invite all to listen with an open mind and heart, to the words taught at the pulpit. You can also find the talks on the Internet , www.lds.org. The Conference dates are March 31st and April 1st. I hope this information can help people better understand the church and its doctrines. Thank you