The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints

Upon request from a journalist, the first president of the Church, Joseph Smith, formulated 13 articles where he outlined the basic tenets of the faith. Today those articles of faith are used in the same way as the creeds in other christian denominations. The Articles of Faith

1 st Article of Faith We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the son also... Doctrine and Covenants 130:22

We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. Man is responsible for himself. There is no “Original Sin”. 2 nd Article of Faith

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Jesus Christ is the source of our salvation. To be redeemed we ourselves have to do something about it. Grace + Works 3 rd Article of Faith

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. Faith Repentance Baptism Gift of the Holy Ghost 4 th Article of Faith

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. Revelation 5 th Article of Faith

Revelation Every man bearing authority in the Church has the right to learn from God by revelation who he shall give a certain office in the Church. Every man has the opportunity to receive inspiration and revelation concerning his personal area of authority. This opportunity can especially be used to learn which denomination is truly Christ’s church.

Revelation Authority 5 th Article of Faith 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.

Authority Only he who truly has authority from God is allowed to act in God's name. This means only one with the true authority can set apart in offices, baptize or administer other ordinances. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, received this authority that had been lost from the earth from Peter, James, John and other heavenly messengers. Beginning from Joseph Smith this priesthood authority was conferred upon others and passed down to our days. Now many worthy men in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officiate in that priesthood.

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

The General Organization of the Church First Presidency prophet + 2 counselors Council of the Twelve 12 apostles, one of them presiding Presiding Bishopric 1 bishop + 2 counselors Presidency of the Seventy 7 presidents 1 st Quorum of the Seventy up to 70 members 2 nd Quorum of the Seventy up to 70 members 3 rd Quorum of the Seventy up to 70 members 5 th Quorum of the Seventy up to 70 members more quorums as needed Responsible for material affairs (finance, buildings, welfare e.g.) Relief Society for women from 18 years Young Women for girls 12 – 18 years Primary for children up to 12 years Young Menr for boys 12 – 18 years Sundayschool for religious instruction for all from 12 The First Precidency and the Council of the Twelve are called for their entire life, all others serve for a limited number of years Presidencies of the auxiliaries 1 president + 2 counselors each (female or male) 4th Quorum of the Seventy up to 70 members

The Regional Organisation of the Church At this time the world is divided up in 30 areas. The Area Presidencies are taken from the quorums of the Seventy. Germany is part of the Europe Central area, that is comprised of central Europe, North Africa and the Near East. The area Europe Central consists of 28 stakes as local units,that can be compared with catholic units. A stake comprises up to 12 wards, which together totals 1800 to 4000 members. A mission presidency conducts the work of the full time missionaries on missions in an area comprising of several stakes. In Europe Central there are 16 missions A temple presidency conducts the work in a Temple. In Temples worthy members learn about eternal matters and are perfoming holy ordinances for themselves and for their deceased ancestors. In the Europe Central area there are 4 temples Stake Presidency president + 2 counselors 12 High Councilors tutors the different wards Presidencies of the Auxiliaries same as on the general level president + 2 counselors (female or male) In Bavaria there are two stakes: Munich and Nuerenberg Mission Presidency president + 2 counselors Bavaria, together with Austria and most of Baden-Wuertemberg, belongs to the Munich Mission. Temple Presidency president + 2 counselors In Germany there are temples in Friedrichsdorf /Hessen and in Freibarg/Sachsen Area Presidency president + 2 counselors

The Local Organisation of the Church Each of these Priesthood Quorums is presided over by a quorum president with two counselors, who are called from among the members of the quorum. Bishopric Bishop + 2 counselors Elders Quorum up to 96 members men from 18 years on High Priest Group Ward Mission Leader Young Mens President with 2 counselors Deacons Quorum up to 12 members yeasrs old boys Teachers Quorum up to 24 Members years old boys Priests Quorum up to 48 members years old men The high priest group is responsible for templework and genealogy. The Elders Quorum is responsible for the pastoral care of the families (hometeaching program) Relief Society Women from age 18 Young women girls from Primary Children up to 12 years Sunday School Religious instruction for all from age12 The ward mission leader is responsible for the preaching of the Gospel within the boundaries of the ward, for leading the local missionaries, and for the coordination with the full time missionaries, who are presided over by the mission president. The young men officiate with the sacrament and help the elders and the high priests. Every auxiliary is leaded by a president and two counselors (female) Beehive girls 12-14years old girls MIA maids 14-16years old girls Laurels 16-18years old girlsn In every group of girls theres is a class president holding a leadership position.

In the Center there is: The Family A failure in the family can never be compensated by a success anywhere else. David O McKay, President of the Church The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. Proclamation about the Family, First Presidency 1995

We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues and so forth. The miracles, of which we can read in the gospels or in Acts did not cease. Wherever you find the same authority and the same faith like at the time of primitive christendom, there you will find the same gifts and miracles. 7 th Article of Faith

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. The Bible A record of the jews, meaning of the tribe of Judah. The Book of Mormon A record of the decendents of Joseph. Both books bear witness of Jesus Christ and of the fact, that he is our redeemer. Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. Old Testament, Ezekiel 37:16,17 8 th Article of Faith

The Book of Mormon A record put together by the prophet Mormon and his son Moroni, who lived until about 420 A.D. in the Americas. The Book of Mormon tells of Israelites who, upon promptings from God, left Jerusalem a few years prior to its destruction by Nebucadnezzar (appr. 600 B.C.) and sailed to America on a ship they constructed. The Book of Mormon describes the dealings of God with the decendents of this goup of people and contains the teachings of Christ in a very clear and complete manner.

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. The heavens are not sealed. God talks to mankind nowadays as well. By continuous revelation new holy writ is created. The book “The Doctrine and Covenants” contains revelations to Joseph Smith and his successors The book “The Pearl of Great Price” contains old, lost revelations that have been restored by Joseph Smith. 9 th Article of Faith

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 pradisical glory. 10 th Article of Faith We take the sayings of the Bible literally. Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. St. Luke 21:26-27 And many people shall go and say, Come ye and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord out of Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2::3,4

We claim the privilege of worsipping 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. 11 th Article of Faith We support our faith fervently in the world. Among others this is shown by about 60,000 young people, who interrupt their education or their career for two years to teach the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world. We don't condemn anybody because of his or her belief, but we work together with brothers and sisters of other denominations to accomplish important things. For example, we cooperate in aid after disasters or in humanitarian efforts after wars.

We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. 12 th Article of Faith In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the principle followed is to obey the laws of the country. The members are called to exercise their rights as citizens. In a democracy that means to vote and to be willing to accept a public function.

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. 13 th Article of Faith We try to be true disciples of Christ. Therefore we strive to live the principle of charity as perfectly as possible. We are very much interested in learning more and we don't hesitate to accept knowledge from different sources.

Whoever wants to know more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may use the internet: (German) (English and many other languages) (English and many other languages). Youth of the Church and others who are interested meet at: (German) Local contacts are: Tel Tel