Why does the Mormon church have access to us citizens genealogical history?

Answer 1

We believe that God's plan gives everyone a chance to be redeemed and repent of their sins. We are so involved in family history work so that we can submit the names of those who have passed on to the temples, where saving ordinances (such as baptism, and sealing them to their spouse for eternity) are performed for them if they accept it.

Answer 2

Genealogy is important to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) for several reasons.

The first and most important is that Mormons believe that they can offer a chance at salvation to their ancestors who did not accept the gospel of Jesus Christ during their mortal lives. If they know who their ancestors were, they may take this information to a Temple and perform baptisms and other ordinances in behalf of that person. Mormons believe that this will give that person the opportunity to accept or reject that baptism in the afterlife. Mormons consider this the most selfless service one can perform.

A second reason is that there is a lot we can learn from the past. Learning about our ancestors, who they were and how they lived, can bring deeper meaning into our lives and give us strength in our trials. It also gives us a better respect for others.

Third, it is fun! It is a great wholesome activity that enables you to meet and connect with other people.

Check out the "Related Links" below to learn more about Mormon beliefs about genealogy.

Answer 3

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) care about their ancestry for many reasons:

First, it is good to learn who your ancestors were and how they lived so that you can appreciate what they have done for you and where you came from. You can learn a lot by learning about the lives of others, and after all, you owe your life to them!

Second, Mormons believe that they are able to perform baptisms in behalf of their ancestors. Mormons believe that if they perform these baptisms, their ancestors will have a chance to accept salvation through Jesus Christ in the afterlife.

Third, seeking out your ancestors is a worthwhile and rewarding hobby in which you meet new people and connect with new cultures and ideas. It also gives you a sense of belonging and purpose.

You can learn more about Mormon's beliefs about ancestry and family history/ genealogy work at the "Related Links" below.

Answer 4

The Mormon church has the same access to us citizen's records as anyone else does. The US government makes census records available to the public after 60 years, and it would be against the constitution for them to forbid Mormons from accessing them. Another resource where the Mormon church gets genealogy information is cemeteries and birth/death/marriage certificates. Again, by law these are all public records and all Americans must be allowed access to them, regardless of their religion.