Meet our Partners: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Mormon faith was first introduced to Canada in 1830 when missionaries visited Ontario from New York state. The first Ontario congregation was formed in 1832. Some years later, in 1887 under the leadership of Charles Card, Mormons established a settlement in southern Alberta. Since that time, the Mormon community in Canada has grown and now serves as the community of worship for approximately 200,000 Canadian citizens. With 8 temples located in all the major cities, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plays a pivotal role in the lives of many Canadians. 

Notes National Director of the Canada Public Affairs Council Sandra Pallin, “The Church provides the means for teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to all God's children. Of particular importance to Latter-day Saints (Mormons) is strengthening faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, creating cherished and eternal family relationships, and protecting religious freedoms.”

In particular, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community places a high value on the doctrine of love. It is this emphasis on love and a lifestyle rooted in community that serves as the hallmark of the Canadian Mormon community. Explains Pallin, “Central to the Church's doctrine is that God is Father to all inhabitants of the earth and that He loves each of us deeply. This explains our commitment towards interfaith and community service. We desire to be good neighbours and appreciate the opportunity to serve.”

Canada’s 150^th Anniversary celebrations present an opportunity for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In keeping with the community’s values, love and service will be central to the ways in which the Mormon community celebrates. Notes Pallin, “Mormons are encouraged to be patriotic by obeying, honouring and sustaining the law. We look forward to joining with all Canadians in celebrating Canada's many successes over the past 150 years. The sesquicentennial has focused our efforts towards increased community service. Church programs in support of national priorities include, "I Was a Stranger", (Matthew 25:43-45), that focuses on helping newly arrived refugees to Canada, and "JustServe" a developing website platform where volunteer needs of organizations and willing volunteers can be matched locally for free.”

150^th celebrations will also coincide with celebrating the history of the Mormon church in Canada. States Pallin, “We also look forward to celebrating our 187 year religious history in Canada through church and family history conferences. We appreciate this opportunity to engage with Cardus and the Faith Alliance Network in this inspired Faith in Canada initiative.”

When asked what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would like to communicate to its Faith Alliance partners, Pallin enthused, “Mormons have respect for the diverse beliefs and unique contributions of all the world’s faiths. From our earliest beginnings, the prophet Joseph Smith elevated the principle of religious liberty and respect when he stated: “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.”  We value our friendships with your faith communities and appreciate how your good works have helped to shape Canada's past 150 years.”

Faith in Canada 150 would like to thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its generous partnership, without which, this project would not be possible.