Exploring Ancestral Connections: The Power of LDS Church Genealogy

The LDS Church and the Power of Genealogy

Genealogy, the study of one’s family history and lineage, has long been a fascination for people around the world. It serves as a way to connect with our roots, understand our heritage, and gain a deeper appreciation for those who came before us. Among the many organizations dedicated to genealogical research, the LDS Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) stands out for its extensive efforts in this field.

For members of the LDS Church, genealogy holds a special significance. They believe that families are eternal units and that understanding their ancestry is key to strengthening these bonds across generations. The church’s commitment to genealogical research is deeply rooted in its religious teachings.

One of the most notable contributions of the LDS Church to genealogy is its renowned FamilySearch program. FamilySearch is a vast online database that houses billions of historical records from around the world. It includes birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, military records, and much more. This comprehensive resource enables individuals to trace their family lines back through centuries and across continents.

The LDS Church has also established numerous Family History Centers worldwide, where individuals can access resources and receive guidance on their genealogical journeys. These centers provide free access to computers with internet connectivity for searching records on FamilySearch.org. Knowledgeable volunteers are available to assist visitors in navigating the database effectively.

In addition to making historical records accessible, the LDS Church places great emphasis on preserving family connections through temple ordinances. Members have the opportunity to perform sacred rituals called “ordinances” on behalf of their deceased ancestors in temples worldwide. These ordinances include baptism, confirmation, endowment, and sealing ceremonies which are believed to unite families eternally.

To support these temple ordinances and ensure accuracy in genealogical research, members engage in a practice known as “temple work.” This involves finding ancestors who have not yet received these ordinances and submitting their names for temple rituals. The LDS Church encourages its members to diligently research their family history, verify the accuracy of records, and submit names for temple work.

The commitment to genealogy within the LDS Church extends beyond personal interest. It is considered a sacred duty to help others discover and connect with their ancestors. Members are encouraged to assist not only their own families but also individuals from all backgrounds who seek information about their heritage. This dedication has led to collaborative efforts with genealogical organizations worldwide, fostering a global community of researchers working together to uncover the past.

The LDS Church’s focus on genealogy is driven by a deep understanding of the importance of family ties and the belief that this knowledge can bring unity, healing, and strength to individuals and communities. Through extensive resources like FamilySearch, Family History Centers, and temple work, they have made significant contributions to the field of genealogy.

Whether you are a member of the LDS Church or simply interested in exploring your family history, the resources and guidance provided by the LDS Church can be invaluable. Their commitment to preserving and sharing genealogical information has touched countless lives and continues to inspire individuals around the world in their quest for ancestral connections.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about LDS Church Genealogy

1. Why do Mormons care so much about genealogy?
2. What genealogy site does the LDS church use?
3. Does the LDS church own Ancestry?
4. How do LDS members get free Ancestry?

Why do Mormons care so much about genealogy?

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as Mormons, place a significant emphasis on genealogy due to their religious beliefs and teachings. Understanding why Mormons care so much about genealogy requires exploring several key aspects:

1. Eternal Family Bonds: Mormons believe in the eternal nature of families. They believe that family relationships can continue beyond death and that families can be united together in the afterlife. Genealogy plays a crucial role in identifying ancestors and connecting them to living family members so that necessary religious ordinances can be performed on their behalf, allowing them to be sealed together as an eternal family.
2. Temple Ordinances: Temples hold great significance for Mormons as sacred spaces where they perform religious ordinances believed to unite families for eternity. These ordinances include baptism, confirmation, endowment, and sealing ceremonies. To participate in these ordinances, Mormons need accurate information about their ancestors, which is obtained through genealogical research.
3. Responsibility to Ancestors: Mormons feel a sense of duty and responsibility towards their ancestors. They believe that by performing temple ordinances for deceased relatives who did not have the opportunity to receive them during their lifetime, they can provide their ancestors with the chance to accept or reject these blessings in the afterlife.
4. Strengthening Family Connections: Studying genealogy allows Mormons to learn about their heritage and connect with past generations. It provides a sense of identity and belonging within a broader family context. By understanding their ancestors’ experiences, challenges, and triumphs, individuals can gain insights into their own lives and develop a greater appreciation for those who came before them.
5. Personal Spiritual Growth: Engaging in genealogical research is seen as a personal spiritual journey for many Mormons. It fosters qualities such as patience, perseverance, humility, and gratitude while deepening one’s understanding of the eternal nature of families and God’s plan for His children.
6. Building a Global Family: Mormons believe in the universality of God’s love and view all humanity as part of one big family. They actively seek to extend their genealogical efforts beyond their own personal lines to help individuals from all backgrounds discover and connect with their ancestors. This inclusive approach fosters unity, understanding, and a sense of common heritage among diverse individuals.

In summary, Mormons care deeply about genealogy due to their beliefs in eternal family bonds, the importance of temple ordinances, a sense of responsibility towards ancestors, the desire to strengthen family connections, personal spiritual growth, and building a global family. Genealogy is seen as a means to connect with one’s roots, preserve family history, and ensure that families remain united not only in this life but also in the eternities.

What genealogy site does the LDS church use?

The LDS Church primarily uses its own genealogy website called FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org). FamilySearch is a comprehensive online platform that provides access to billions of historical records from around the world. It offers a vast collection of birth, marriage, death, census, military, and other types of records that can be used to trace family history and build family trees. The website is free to use and available to anyone interested in genealogical research, regardless of religious affiliation. In addition to the website, the LDS Church also operates Family History Centers worldwide where individuals can access the resources available on FamilySearch and receive assistance from knowledgeable volunteers.

Does the LDS church own Ancestry?

No, the LDS Church does not own Ancestry. Ancestry is a privately-owned company that operates as a commercial genealogy and DNA testing service. While the LDS Church has collaborated with Ancestry in the past by providing access to its extensive genealogical records for research purposes, they are separate entities with distinct ownership and operations.

How do LDS members get free Ancestry?

LDS members have access to free Ancestry.com accounts through a partnership between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Ancestry. This partnership allows LDS members to use the full range of features and resources available on Ancestry.com without requiring a paid subscription.

To access the free Ancestry.com account, LDS members need to create an LDS Account on the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Once they have created their account, they can log in and navigate to the FamilySearch website (familysearch.org). From there, they can click on the “Search” tab and select “Partner Sites” in the dropdown menu.

Under the “Partner Sites” section, members will find a link to access Ancestry.com for free. Clicking on this link will redirect them to Ancestry.com, where they can create a new account or sign in with an existing one. It’s important to note that this access is only available through FamilySearch.org and not directly through the Ancestry website.

By utilizing this partnership between FamilySearch and Ancestry, LDS members can explore billions of historical records, build family trees, connect with distant relatives, and make use of various research tools offered by Ancestry.com at no cost.

It’s worth mentioning that while LDS members have free access to Ancestry.com through this partnership, some advanced features or additional content may still require a paid subscription. However, the majority of resources available on Ancestry.com are accessible to LDS members with their free accounts.

If you are an LDS member interested in exploring your family history using Ancestry.com, be sure to follow the steps outlined above to set up your free account through FamilySearch.org.