What We Believe

We believe in thinking and acting rationally. We welcome new knowledge and discovery.

We believe we existed before this life, and we believe we will exist, in some form, after this life. In the meantime, we believe in expanding our knowledge and always improving. We believe that progression is eternal.

We believe that whatever is waiting for us after this life does not include judgment or condemnation. Therefore, we don’t believe in heaven or hell. We don’t believe that a supreme being created, or has much interest in, systems such as original sin or following earthly laws to obtain spiritual rewards. We believe these are all man-made things.

We believe in being accountable for our decisions and actions. This means that we accept responsibility for the consequences of our actions.

We believe in supporting all types of families, including single-parent and gay relationships. We believe in maintaining strong family ties, and in “turning the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents.” We don’t believe in any type of discrimination based on family status.

We believe that women are entitled to all roles and positions. We do not believe that some roles or positions are to be held only by men or only by women. We don’t believe that one is superior to, or in authority over, another.

We believe in keeping church and state separate, for the benefit of both.

We believe that all scripture is man-made. Some scripture is edifying, some of it is not. All of the world’s scripture is open to us. We do not believe in reading scripture literally; we believe that taking scripture literally is a bad idea.

Prophets may offer enlightenment, but we believe in exercising caution when deciding to follow someone. We do not believe that another person has more authority to “speak for God” than anyone else.

We share Reform Mormonism with those who inquire. We do not proselytize.

We believe in contributing to non-profit organizations and charities, in the way that each of us feels will do the most good. We do not tithe to a church.

Reform Mormonism is a home-based, personal philosophy. A weekly day of rest is suggested; there are no church services. Reform Mormonism does have communal ceremonies that are designed to aide a person throughout their life, that are conducted in dedicated temple spaces. Our temple ceremonies are highly personal, edifying experiences. Unlike the LDS, we do not perform any temple ordinance for the deceased.

It’s complicated.

Joseph Smith Jr. once said, “Mormonism is truth; and every man who embraced it felt himself at liberty to embrace every truth.” In light of this, there are some Reform Mormons whose beliefs don’t neatly align with the “Christian” label.

Some people see Mormonism as having grown out of Christianity, but itself is not Christian anymore, much like how Christianity grew out of Judaism but isn’t Jewish anymore. As a result, there are many Reform Mormons who don’t identify with the label “Christian”, and choose to identify as “Reform Mormon” or just simply “Mormon”. Nevertheless, we as a whole don’t prescribe these labels.

This is another complicated question. Mormonism’s relationship with Divinity changed over time. The Book of Mormon originally espoused modalism, the Lectures on Faith espoused binitarianism, and the Nauvoo period brought monolatry. 

In 1842 we tried to articulate our accommodations for differing views of Divinity in the Articles of Faith, the 11th of which says:

“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

Reform Mormons take this to heart. Amongst Reform Mormons there are many different understandings of God.

Reform Mormons see scripture as valuable for inspiration, reflection, and guidance, but not as infallible or the final word on truth. We approach scripture as a living document, open to interpretation and reinterpretation, shaped by personal experiences and modern understanding. We also value diverse sources of wisdom, including philosophy, science, literature, and art.

Observance of the Sabbath or holy days is optional and left to individual discretion. Some Reform Mormons may set aside a day for rest, reflection, or family, while others find meaning in creating their own spiritual rhythms.

Rituals in Reform Mormonism are meaningful but adaptable. Common rituals like prayer, meditation, or ceremonies for life events (e.g., weddings, blessings, endowments, etc) are shaped by personal and community preferences. There is no prescribed liturgy or format; creativity and relevance are encouraged.

We don’t believe in proxy rituals, as we feel that rituals are just tools to help us to grow closer to divinity in this life. We do not believe that partaking in certain rituals is a requirement for salvation or exaltation.

Although it is not a requirement, we view the Endowment ceremony as a unique rite of passage for Mormons. There are several different versions of this ritual that have been created; some are published publicly online while others are not.

Historically priesthood is a power dynamic which is used to control people and exclude marginalized groups. To us, priesthood is an inherent quality in everyone and is activated through the pursuit of healing, equality, and justice. Nevertheless, the ritualistic aspect of ordination can be important to many, and for those who feel the call to priesthood and the need for this ritual we are happy to oblige.

The race-based discrimination that has been and still is present in some Mormon communities is deeply upsetting to us. We acknowledge the sins of our predecessors, and in our effort to not erase, mitigate, or forget the past, we have formally recognized these harmful behaviors and have extended an apology.

A. Absolutely, we don’t believe in discrimination – LGBT folks may hold the priesthood, be sealed together, and perform endowments. LGBT folks have played a pivotal role in the foundation and sustained longevity of Reform Mormonism.

The Word of Wisdom was explicitly not given to us as a commandment. There are no dietary restrictions in Reform Mormonism, but people are free to abide by the Word of Wisdom if they wish.

The Mormon church that does that is chiefly the LDS Church, based in Salt Lake City, and those who have broken off from it.

Most Reform Mormons don’t, but we are free to do so if we feel the need for it.

No, we do not proselytize.

We do not accept donations, as we believe that when money gets involved in religion it commodifies Divinity and the feeling of the transcendent sacred.

Instead, we encourage members to financially support or volunteer at local charities and within their communities if they are able to.

Reform Mormonism does not adhere to traditional religious hierarchies in order to prevent the centralization of power and the oppression that arises from these systems. There are no general authorities or presidents.

We’re a personal philosophy, home-based, and a loose community. Any centralized Reform Mormon activity is only to bolster individuals. We don’t believe in an organized religion. Most of the time, organized religion causes more problems than it solves.

The family structures that consenting adults wish to have is no business of ours.

See our proclamation “Families” for more information on how we understand family.

Eternity is a long time, and we believe it’s a possibility. Regardless of this being literally the case, we view exaltation as part of the “eternal progression” ideal – we value continually growing and developing.

The circle represents eternity. This became a symbol of Mormonism with the King Follett Sermon.

The V is the compass, representing the course of progress. This symbol is a large part of the Endowment ceremony.

Together they represent progression through eternity.

Yes. As the Sunstone Foundation likes to say, “There’s more than one way to Mormon”. We have a unique view of things such as “God” and “faith” that isn’t like any other denomination, and that is what matters to us.

Reform Mormonism has been around since 2002, and we’ve heard from many thousands of people during the years, expressing their alignment with Reform Mormon principles, support for our approach to life, and their appreciation of it. We welcome you to explore our unique perspective.

There is no need for a formal ceremony if you don’t want one; just start identifying as one. However, if a ceremony, such as a baptism and/or confirmation, is important to you, a group of Reform Mormons can help you do so.