"Relief Society" is one of the terms members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) use frequently but can be confusing to new or non-Mormons. The relief society of the LDS church is currently the largest women's organization in the world, with a unique origin and purpose.
Activities of Relief Society
All women in the LDS church aged 18 and older belong to relief society. Relief society is dedicated to the spiritual development of individuals and families, and provides assistance and support to its members and the larger community.
Monthly activities focused on personal development and charitable service are run by the relief society, as well as a weekly gospel study class on Sundays after church.
Leaders are quick to point out, however, that LDS relief society is more than just a class to attend on Sundays. It is a close-knit sisterhood that aims to help all of its members increase their faith and participate more fully in the gospel.
Origin of Relief Society
Relief Society was first organized in 1842 as the "Female Relief Society of Nauvoo" when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was headquartered in Nauvoo, Illinois.
Eager to assist in the construction of a temple for their faith, Mormon women organized a sewing circle to provide clothing and other necessities for the men engaged in building the temple. They drew up a charter for their organization and presented it to the prophet and founder of the Mormon faith, Joseph Smith.
Smith commended their initiative but expanded their charter to include all types of charitable and good works, and formally organized the pattern of leadership of the relief society in the LDS church.
LDS Relief Society Theme and Declaration
The theme of relief society is "Charity Never Faileth." In the LDS church, "charity" means not only charitable acts and contributions, but Christlike love and compassion toward all people.
In 1999, the objectives of relief society were clearly laid out in a declaration that is sometimes recited on Sundays during relief society meetings. The relief society declaration begins, "We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction."
Leadership of Mormon Relief Society
Relief society is an "auxiliary," or supporting organization, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are other auxiliaries for youth and adult men. Relief society is led by women at the local and worldwide levels, under the direction of priesthood authorities.
All adult women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints belong to relief society. Most see their membership in the sisterhood of relief society as a source of help, friendship, and encouragement throughout their lives.
For more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please see What Do Mormons Believe?
Sources:
"Something Better: The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo." Daughters in My Kindom: The History and Work of Relief Society.
Declaration of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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