Mormonism
About
Mormonism defines the beliefs and practices of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons. Founded in 19th Century America, today Mormonism has over 12 million members world-wide, including 190,000 in the UK.
Mormonism describes the doctrines of the Church that were restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Church is centred on Christ, but with substantial differences to Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christian Churches.
End of Life
There are no specific rituals for the dying. Community visitations are normally permitted, followed by private prayer with close friends and family. Routine Last Offices are appropriate, and if a sacred garment was worn it must be replaced after the Last Offices have been completed.
There are no religious objections to blood transfusions or organ transplants. Important family decisions about end of life care can be guided by competent medical advice along with spiritual guidance through fasting and prayer.
Mormons strictly forbid euthanasia. However, allowing a seriously ill or injured person to die naturally by removing life support equipment is acceptable. In such cases, dying is viewed as a purposeful part of eternal existence, so family should not feel pressured to extend life by unreasonable means.
After Death
Mormons prefer burials over cremations. Funerals are usually held within seven days of the deceased’s passing, but never on a Sunday. They typically take place in the local LDS chapel or mortuary and are led by the bishop of the ward. Embalming is also accepted, and in cases where the deceased received their temple endowment they can be buried in temple clothes.
Family members usually give a family prayer and dedicate the grave, but are not expected to give a talk at the funeral. There is also no set mourning period. Mormons believe that families will be reunited after death so the grief expressed at funerals can be comforted with this certainty and hope of the future.
Mormons also believe that a dead person can still be baptised by proxy, as in a Mormon can be baptised on behalf of someone who has already died. This is known as Baptism of the Dead. The Church teaches that because millions of people lived and died without learning the teachings of Jesus Christ or belonging to his Church, baptising an ancestor who died without hearing the gospel shows their love for that person.