One of the key features of the MormonNewsroom.org website is the Topics section. This page links to hundreds of topics, such as temple garments, proxy baptisms and the practice of paying tithing, that provide basic information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). The topics pages are designed to provide helpful background and information to anyone who is unfamiliar with the Church. Here is a brief look at the type of topics covered:
Basic Beliefs
Many of the topic pages help explain basic Church beliefs, such as our commitment to Jesus Christ, our faith in the Bible and the Book of Mormon as the word of God, the restoration of biblical Christianity, modern-day prophets and revelation.
Political Neutrality
The political neutrality topic page explains that the Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics.
Religious Freedom
The Church believes in the importance of defending and preserving religious freedom throughout the world. The religious freedom page lists several significant speeches given by Church leaders that address the Church’s position on religious freedom. The Mormon Newsroom also has a series of commentaries on the importance of religious freedom.
Church Organization
Several of the topics describe how the Church is organized, from the world headquarters in Salt Lake City to local congregations, called wards, and the difference between chapels and temples.
Leadership
There is a topic page for each general Church leader, including the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, other General Authorities and other men and women who help oversee the worldwide Church. Another page explains the Church’s lay priesthood.
Mormon Life
Some of the topics highlight different facets of Mormon life, including the importance families, interfaith relations, education, our commitment to providing humanitarian aid worldwide and why we are involved in genealogical research.
History
The history of the Church is featured in several topic pages, such as background information on past Church leaders Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. We also have a page about 19th century Mormon pioneer history.
We encourage journalists to use these pages to help in writing accurate stories about Mormon topics. We also hope that interested readers and observers will use the information on these pages to accurately characterize Mormon beliefs and practices. The Topics section of the website will continue to expand over time as the Mormon Newsroom staff adds details and nuances relevant to the respective topics and how they play out in various conversations going on in the media and the public.