List of denominations in the Latter Day Saint movement


The list of denominations in the Latter Day Saint movement includes:
Though a few small factions broke with Smith's organization during his lifetime, he retained the allegiance of the vast majority of Latter Day Saints until his death in June 1844. Following Smith's death, the movement experienced a leadership crisis which led to a schism within the church. The largest group, which would become the LDS Church, followed Brigham Young, settling in what would become the Utah Territory. The second-largest faction, the RLDS Church, coalesced around Joseph Smith III, eldest son of Joseph Smith. Other would-be leaders included the senior surviving member of the First Presidency, Sidney Rigdon; the newly baptized James Strang from Wisconsin; and Alpheus Cutler, one of the Council of Fifty. Each of these men still retains a following as of 2014—however tiny it may be in some cases—and all of their organizations have experienced further schisms. Other claimants, such as Granville Hedrick, William Bickerton and Charles B. Thompson, later emerged to start still other factions, some of which have further subdivided. 12 denominations are listed in the following table.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 16,565,03698.0110%
Community of Christ 250,3011.5038%
The Church of Jesus Christ 23,2000.1394%
Church of Jesus Christ with the Elijah Message12,5000.0751%
Apostolic United Brethren10,0000.0601%
Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 10,0000.0601%
Restoration Branches10,0000.0601%
Church of Christ 7,3100.0439%
Fellowships of the remnants5,0000.0300%
Church of Christ 2,4500.0147%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 3000.0018%
Church of Jesus Christ 120.0001%

Categorizing the churches

Given the large number of Latter Day Saint churches and their differing backgrounds, categorizing them can be difficult. A common approach in some histories and studies is to use Rocky Mountain Saints for those denominations headquartered in the American West and Prairie Saints for those denominations that formed in and around Nauvoo, Illinois; Voree, Wisconsin; Independence, Missouri; and other locations in the Midwest and East. These terms do not necessarily relate the current geographical locations of all denominations within those two groupings, but rather the original location of their respective parent organizations, which may be seen in the table below.
Another method uses provenance: for instance, all denominations that ultimately trace their history back to the LDS Church in Utah are organized as one factional group. Divergent Paths of the Restoration—a reference work on this subject—follows this approach.
In such studies, as well as in general Latter Day Saint parlance, the -suffixed terms Josephite and Brighamite have been used for the Missouri-based Community of Christ and the Utah-based LDS Church respectively; these terms have sometimes been used to distinguish groups of denominations. Those denominations within each group share a common ancestry and basic beliefs that are different from groups sharing other provenances. The present article, in a similar fashion, distinguishes among groups of denominations by use of commonly understood names such as Mormon fundamentalist or else by short descriptions that often reference a founder of the first church within a factional group–for example, Joseph Smith III in reference to Community of Christ and various churches and factions that trace their origin to it.

List of Latter Day Saint movement churches

Era of Joseph Smith

Smith's original church, and those bodies which broke with him during his lifetime.

Original church within movement

The original organization, founded as the Church of Christ by Smith in 1830, later called the Church of the Latter-Day Saints and then The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
NameOrganized byDateCurrent statusNotes
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsJoseph SmithApril 6, 1830Smith's original organization; multiple denominations currently claim to be its true successorIn 1834, official name changed from "Church of Christ" to "Church of the Latter Day Saints". In 1838, official name changed again to "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". Unofficial names included Church of God and Church of Jesus Christ.

Churches that separated from Smith's organization prior to 1844

Other small churches formed on the basis of disagreements with Smith prior to his murder in 1844, all of which are now defunct.
Church nameOrganized byDateSplit fromCurrent statusNotes
Pure Church of Christ1831Church of ChristDefunctFirst schismatic denomination in the Latter Day Saint movement.
Independent Church1832Church of ChristDefunctLittle is known about this second schismatic denomination apart from the date of establishment, the surname of its founder, and that Hoton denounced Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.
Church of Christ1836Church of the Latter Day SaintsDefunctTaught that Joseph Smith was not a prophet, and the Book of Mormon was not scripture.
Church of Christ1837Church of the Latter Day SaintsDefunctAlso referred to as the Church of Christ. Believed that Smith was a "fallen prophet". Rejected the Book of Mormon and parts of the Bible.
Alston Church1839Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDefunctTaught that the Latter Day Saints should remain in Missouri, and not emigrate to Illinois.
Church of ChristChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDefunctEstablished with the special mission of ministering to African Americans.
Church of Jesus Christ, the Bride, the Lamb's Wife1840Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDefunctTaught that Smith was not a prophet, and the Book of Mormon was not scripture.
Church of Christ1842Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDefunctLittle is known concerning this denomination, except that its founder was one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon's golden plates
True Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints1844Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDefunctOpposed plural marriage; published the Nauvoo Expositor. Charges levied against Smith over the destruction of this periodical led to his assassination.

Apostolic succession by Brigham Young

Sometimes called "Rocky Mountain Saints," "Brighamites," or "Mormons", tracing their leadership or influence through Brigham Young's apostolic succession.

LDS Church

By far the largest and best known Latter Day Saint church, which often referred to as the "Mormon Church".
NameOrganized byDateContinuation of/split fromCurrent statusNotes
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsBrigham Young
and
Quorum of the Twelve
1844
;
1851
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints15 million members as of 2013The largest Latter Day Saint denomination. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Often colloquially referred to as the Mormon Church. Adherents are popularly called Mormons or Latter-day Saints. Resulted from Latter Day Saints that followed Joseph Smith. Practiced plural marriage until it was discontinued in 1890. Disincorporated in 1877 by the Edmunds–Tucker Act, reorganized in 1923 as the Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

LDS-derived churches which have continued to practice polygamy since the 1890 Manifesto

Churches which believe that they are strictly following the revelations and teachings of Joseph and Young, including the practice of plural marriage, which was discontinued by the LDS Church after it released the Manifesto in the late-19th century.
NameOrganized byDateSplit fromCurrent statusNotes
Council of Friends1920sThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsMultiple denominations claim to be true successorAlso known as the Priesthood Council, this group was originally headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Short Creek Community. One of the earliest Mormon fundamentalist groups, originating at end of plural marriage in LDS Church. Later splintered into several groups, particularly upon death of Joseph W. Musser in 1954. Most modern Mormon fundamentalist groups may be traced back to this organization.
Latter Day Church of Christ1935Council of FriendsRoughly 2,000 membersHeadquartered in Davis County, Utah. Commonly known as the "Kingston clan" and the "Davis County Cooperative Society".
Apostolic United Brethren1954Council of FriendsApproximately 10,000 members Headquarters in Bluffdale, Utah. Organized during schism between two groups over issue of presiding authority between Rulon C. Allred and Leroy S. Johnson, upon death of Joseph W. Musser.
Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints1954Council of Friends6,000 members
Traditionally headquartered in Colorado City, Arizona, with a community of roughly 700 members near Eldorado, Texas. The FLDS was headed by Warren Jeffs, who was convicted of sexually assaulting multiple children.
Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times1955Apostolic United BrethrenPrecise continuity unknown, several hundred or a thousand believers' following one or another putative successors to denomination leadershipHeadquartered in Colonia Lebaron, Mexico Established in northern Mexico and elsewhere, this group claims an especial priesthood keys owing to a line of authority through Benjamin F. Johnson, a member of the Council of Fifty.
Church of the Firstborn1955Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of TimesA hundred or moreOriginally headquartered in Salt lake City, Utah., Tom Green, and Robert Black.
Church of Jesus Christ in Solemn Assembly1974Apostolic United BrethrenApproximately 400 headquartered in Big Water, UtahIn conjunction with the Church of Jesus Christ in Solemn Assembly, Alex Joseph group created the Confederate Nations of Israel in 1977, a Hybrid church–political organization patterned after the Council of Fifty. Members can be from any religious denomination or atheist. Around one-quarter of members practice plural marriage.
Church of the First Born Lamb of God1972Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of TimesCurrent status unknown, may continue in LeBaron family in Los Molinos, Baja CaliforniaErvil LeBaron split with his brother, Joel F. LeBaron in 1972. Ervil then ordered his brother Joel killed in 1972, and Apostolic United Brethren leader Rulon C. Allred killed in 1977. LeBaron was extradited to the United States and sentenced to life in prison where he died in 1981.
Church of the New Covenant in Christ1975Apostolic United BrethrenHeadquartered in Salem, OregonPreviously called the "Church of Christ Patriarchal" and the "Evangelical Church of Christ". One of Bryant's estranged wives says Bryant converted temple ordinances into sexual rites and that he authorized a type of "free love" among the members.
Righteous Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints1978Apostolic United BrethrenApproximately 100-200 members. Headquartered in St. George, Utah.This small group of about 100–200 people was founded by Gerald Peterson Sr. They claim Gerald Peterson Sr. was the rightful successor to Rulon C. Allred and Spencer W. Kimball. They claim Allred and others, including the God and Jesus, visited Peterson, who held and exercised all priesthood responsibilities and keys.
Sons Ahman IsraelDavid Israel1981Church of the New Covenant in ChristBased in Cane Beds, Arizona.
The number of members is unknown.
One of the lesser known Fundamentalist Groups, organized by David Israel with members of the Apostolic United Brethren and members of John W. Bryant's Group.
School of the Prophets1982The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsHeadquartered in Salem, UtahIn 1968 Crossfield published the Book of Onias which condemned many LDS Church leaders. He was excommunicated in 1972. The continuing revelations were later published as the . In 1982 Crossfield established the School of the Prophets, presided over by a president and six counselors.
Centennial Park1984Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsRoughly 1,500 membersAlso known as the "Second Ward". Organized by group who broke from Leroy S. Johnson over questions regarding presiding authority.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Kingdom of God1990Centennial Park200–300 members. Headquartered in Bluffdale, UtahAlso known as the "Naylor group" and the "Third Ward". Organized by group who broke from Centennial Park over conflicts in the leadership of Alma Timpson.
True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days1994The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints300–500 members. Headquartered in Manti, Utah.Also called "TLC Church" and formed independent of the Woolley or the LeBaron priesthood lineages.
The Church of the Firstborn and the General Assembly of Heaven2001The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsCurrently headquartered in Fromberg, MontanaOriginally organized in Magna, Utah, by former members of the LDS Church. Practice polygamy and the law of consecration. Dalton purports to be the Holy Ghost and the Father of Jesus.
Church of Jesus Christ Inc.2002Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsHeadquartered in Bountiful, British Columbia with approximately 700 membersAlso known as the Blackmore/Bountiful Community, this schism from the FLDS Church occurred when church president Warren Jeffs excommunicated Blackmore, causing the community of Bountiful to split nearly in half.
Church of Jesus Christ in Zion2004The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsApproximately 1,000 members. Originating in Independence, MissouriThis little-known group is headed by Roger Billings, who like so many is a former member of the mainstream LDS church.

Left-of-center LDS-derived churches

The defunct Godbeites and a few other small churches that broke with the LDS Church to pursue a more liberal, inclusive, or rationalist theology.
NameOrganized byDateSplit off / continuation ofCurrent statusNotes
The Church of Zion1868The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsDefunctAlso known as "Godbeites".
United Order Family of Christ1966The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsLasted until at least 1973, probably until 1974.Founded in Denver, Colorado; the church was founded specifically for young gay men only, ages 18 to 30; members practiced the United Order.
Restoration Church of Jesus Christ1985The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsDissolved in 2010.Majority of members were LGBT. Commonly called the "Gay Mormon Church" or the "Liberal Mormon Church". Originally called the "Church of Jesus Christ of All Latter-day Saints".

Additional churches claiming lineage through Brigham Young or founded in the U.S. Intermountain West

Several small churches rooted in Mormonism; formed under the belief that their leader was inspired to restore a new religious tradition in the mold of Smith
NameOrganized byDateSplit off / continuation ofCurrent statusNotes
Church of the Potter Christ1857The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsDefunctPotter wore a long beard and white robes; his followers wore black robes; followers emigrated from California to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1861.
Church of the Firstborn 1861The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsAssumed defunctRemnants of this organization survived into the mid-20th century. Involved in the Morrisite War; believe in reincarnation. Morris claimed to be the successor of James Strang, though his organization broke from the LDS, not the Strangite, church.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1861The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsDefunctOrganized in Pacific Islands; sold leadership offices to native peoples; gathering place established on Lanai, Hawaii.
Kingdom of Heaven1866Church of the Firstborn DefunctLived a communal life near Walla Walla, Washington, from 1867 to 1881.
Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Most High1882Church of the Firstborn Disbanded in 1969
Order of Enoch1884Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Church of the Firstborn Continues into the 21st centuryBelieve in reincarnation; rejected plural marriage; believe that Jesus reincarnated as Brighouse and again in 1909 as Dr. Dahesh and that the millennium will commence in the 24th century.
Third Convention1936The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsContinued into the 21st centuryFormed by Abel Páez and a dissident group of Mexican Latter-day Saints who broke away from the main body of church authority in 1936 over a dispute about local governance and autonomy of the church in Mexico.
House of Aaron1943The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsLess than 1,000 membersAlso called "Aaronic Order" and the "Order of Aaron". Religious researchers have categorized The House of Aaron as part of the Latter Day Saint movement, which this denomination disputes.
Zion's Order, Inc.1951Aaronic Order and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsHeadquartered in Mansfield, Missouri; approximately 100 membersFormerly known as Zion's Order of the Sons of Levi; use all of the scriptures of the LDS Church except section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, plus 650 revelations to Kilgore.
Perfected Church of Jesus Christ of Immaculate Latter-day Saints1955The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsUnknownAlso called "Restored Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ of Immaculate Latter-day Saints"; Conway claimed to be the reincarnation of Moroni and to have been visited by a reincarnation of Joseph Smith.
Church of Jesus Christ 1983The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsHeadquartered in Salt Lake City, UtahBulla taught other Latter-day Saints that he was the "One Mighty and Strong" that Joseph Smith prophesied would come to set the church in order. Bulla was interviewed in the anti-Mormon movie The God Makers II with the title "Mormon Prophet" under his name.
The Restored Branch of Jesus Christ2007The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsHeadquartered in Derbyshire, EnglandMet informally as "The Latter Day Church of Christ" until formal organization. Added the Book of Jeraneck to scriptural canon.

Other lineages of succession

Those churches which rejected Young's leadership, in favor of some other claimant. Latter Day Saint adherents who are members of these churches are occasionally referred to, collectively, as "Prairie Saints."

Reorganized church and other followers of Joseph Smith III ("Josephites")

The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and related churches tracing their leadership through Joseph Smith III.
NameOrganized byDateSplit off / continuation ofCurrent statusNotes
Community of Christ1860Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints; some early members came from Strangite church
More than 250,000 members as of 2006Second-largest Latter Day Saint denomination. Headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Previously known as the "Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" ; organized by Joseph Smith III in 1860.
Church of the Christian Brotherhood1918Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDefunctSplit with RLDS Church due to their denial that Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage; Evans published a book documenting evidence that Smith was a polygamist, then went on to reject most of the tenets of Mormonism.
Church of Jesus Christ Restored1960sReorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsHeadquartered in Ontario, CanadaFundamentalist church that split from the RLDS Church and instituted polygamy and the United Order; has about 40 members
Church of Jesus Christ 1980Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsHeadquartered in Independence, MissouriLeft RLDS Church in 1980; claimed to be "Elijah and only prophet" of his organization.
Independent RLDS / Restoration Branches1980sReorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsAs of 1993, 15,000–30,000 sympathizers who yet retained membership in the RLDS Church ; as of 2011, c. 10,000 members attending several hundred distinct congregations.Affiliated branches and study groups, with each branch relatively autonomous and the movement as a whole centered in Independence, Missouri. RLDS Church branches that became independent of the RLDS Church individually throughout the 1980s, due to opposition to changes in church doctrines and practices. Most priesthood holders of these branches soon became affiliated with the "Conference of Restoration Elders". At a three-day conference in November 2005, the "Joint Conference of Restoration Branches" was formed, which had 6,000 to 7,000 members as of 2010.
Members consider themselves members of the RLDS Church, in a direct line of succession from those who dissented following doctrinal changes roughly coinciding with the church's name change to Community of Christ.
Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830Mid-1980sReorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsMembers in Missouri and Africa; headquartered in Tarkio, MissouriRegards Wallace B. Smith as a "fallen prophet" of the RLDS Church for his opening the priesthood to women and for choosing to build the Independence Temple as opposed to the city of Zion.
Church of Christ1985Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsHeadquartered in Oak Grove, MissouriAlso known as "Lion of God Ministry". Clark broke from the RLDS Church in November 1985. In May 1987, Clark began to issue a newsletter, "The Return". Group adheres closely to the King James Version of the Bible and "The Record of the Nephites" , but does not consider other Mormon scripture to be authoritative. They keep annual feasts, including Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, etc.
Church of Jesus Christ 1986Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints200 or so members; headquartered in Independence, MissouriLargely composed of former members of the RLDS Church who oppose what they consider to be recent doctrinal innovations, especially the giving of the priesthood to women in 1984.
Lundgren GroupJeffrey Lundgren1988Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDefunct; approximately 20 followers; headquartered in Kirtland, OhioThe denomination broke off from the RLDS Church when Lundgren was dismissed from the church on October 10, 1988. Lundgren was executed by the state of Ohio on October 24, 2006, for the murder of Dennis Avery and four of his family members.
Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints1991Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsHeadquartered in Independence, MissouriThe church broke off from the Community of Christ because of its belief that women should not hold the priesthood.
Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints2000Independent RLDS / Restoration Branches1,000–2,000 members; headquartered in Independence, MissouriChiefly composed of former members of the RLDS Church who were part of the Independent RLDS / Restoration Branches. They oppose what they consider to be recent doctrinal innovations, especially the passing of the church presidency to someone not descended from Joseph Smith.

Followers of Granville Hedrick ("Hedrickites")

The Church of Christ and related churches tracing their leadership through Granville Hedrick.
NameOrganized byDateSplit off / continuation ofCurrent statusNotes
Church of Christ 1863Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; some members from Gladdenites5,000 members; headquartered on the Temple Lot in Independence, MissouriOwns the Temple Lot; adherents commonly referred to as "Hedrickites."
Church of Christ 1929Church of Christ Denomination divided into various factionsA denomination which split with the Temple Lot church over reported revelations from John the Baptist to its founder, Otto Fetting; adopted seventh day sabbatarianism under Apostle S.T. Bronson in 1950s.
Church of Christ at Halley's Bluff1932Church of Christ Headquartered at Schell City, Missouri; less than 100 membersMembers originally believed Otto Fetting's revelations but did not join the Church of Christ. Formally named "Church of Christ at Zion's Retreat" until a 1972 schism in which Dan Gayman led most of its followers away to his Church of Israel.
Church of Christ Church of Christ Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri;approx. 450 membersSplit from Fettingite organization in late 1930s when that denomination initially accepted William Draves' "messages"; claims to be the true continuation of Fetting's church. Non-sabbatarian.
Church of Christ with the Elijah Message1943Church of Christ c. 12,500 members worldwide as of 1987. Headquartered in Independence, MissouriSplit with the Church of Christ when that denomination rejected revelations from John the Baptist given to its founder, William Draves, following the death of Otto Fetting.
Church of Christ Pauline Hancock1946Church of Christ Defunct as of 1984First Latter Day Saint denomination to be established by a woman; accepted KJV Bible and Book of Mormon only; later rejected Book of Mormon and dissolved itself in 1984. Among its former members were Jerald and Sandra Tanner, opponents of the Latter Day Saint movement and founders of the Utah Lighthouse Ministry.
Church of Christ 1965Church of Christ with the Elijah MessageAround 35 membersLeighton-Floyd and Burt split with the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message during the reincorporation of that church under its present name. Leighton-Floyd left shortly after the formation, with Burt assumed leadership of the group. The membership is centered on an agricultural cooperative near Holden, Missouri.
Church of Israel1972Church of Christ at Halley's BluffHeadquartered in MissouriName was "Church of Our Christian Heritage" until incorporation in 1981. The church has been accused of being a Christian Identity church, a charge which is denied by Gayman. Few Latter Day Saint beliefs or practices remain in the church.
The Church of Christ With the Elijah Message, The Assured Way of the Lord, Inc.2004Church of Christ with the Elijah MessageHeadquartered in Independence, MissouriSplit from the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message, Inc., which in turn split from the Church of Christ With the Elijah Message; founders claim that they are the legitimate continuation of William Draves' organization.

Followers of Sidney Rigdon or William Bickerton ("Bickertonites")

Churches tracing their leadership through Sidney Rigdon or William Bickerton.
NameOrganized byDateSplit off / continuation ofCurrent statusNotes
Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion1844Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDissolved by 1847Originally also used the name "Church of Christ". Also known as Rigdonites.
The Church of Jesus Christ 1862Organized by former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion, by then defunct19,029 as of Dec. 31, 2012; headquartered in Monongahela, PennsylvaniaAdherents commonly referred to as Bickertonites.
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ 1907Church of Jesus Christ DefunctDispute over nature of life in the millennium split Bickertonite Quorum of the Twelve in two; later merged with the Primitive Church of Jesus Christ.
Primitive Church of Jesus Christ 1914Church of Jesus Christ DefunctRejected the First Presidency as a valid leadership organization of the church; later merged with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ.

Followers of Alpheus Cutler ("Cutlerites")

The Church of Jesus Christ and related churches tracing their leadership through Alpheus Cutler.
NameOrganized byDateSplit off / continuation ofCurrent statusNotes
Church of Jesus Christ 1853Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsApproximately 12 members ; headquartered in Independence, MissouriAdherents commonly called "Cutlerites"; practice "United Order"; retains Nauvoo-era Temple endowment and Baptism for the Dead.
True Church of Jesus Christ 1953Church of Jesus Christ Never more than 10; headquartered in Clitherall, MinnesotaSplit from Cutlerites over presidential succession issue; church folded with death of its founder in 1969 and schism was subsequently healed.
Restored Church of Jesus Christ1980Church of Jesus Christ 25 members; headquartered in Independence, MissouriSplit from Cutlerites when they rejected Walton's claim to be the "One Mighty and Strong".

Followers of James J. Strang ("Strangites")

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and related churches tracing their leadership through James Strang.
NameOrganized byDateSplit off / continuation ofCurrent statusNotes
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1844Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsA few hundred members; headquartered in Voree, WisconsinCurrently split between proponents and opponents of incorporation in 1961. Anti-incorporation factions headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana and Independence, Missouri
Church of Christ 1846Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints DefunctShort-lived denomination formed in Voree, Wisconsin.
Church of the Messiah1861Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints DefunctLed followers from Maine to Palestine; attempt to establish mission there failed.
Holy Church of Jesus Christ1964Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints DefunctCaffiaux claimed to be the rightful successor to James J. Strang. Church headquartered in France.
Church of Jesus Christ 1965Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Extant; one congregation led by Richard Drew, Theron's sonDrew organized the church after being excommunicated from the Strangite church, on account of Drew's promotion of Merl Kilgore as the "One Mighty and Strong" and a potential successor to James Strang.
True Church of Jesus Christ Restored1974Church of Christ with the Elijah Message and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Headquartered in Independence, MissouriDifficult to categorize; Roberts claimed to be Strang's successor.

Additional Latter Day Saint churches (usually headquartered in U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains)

Other "Prairie Saint" branches of the movement, such as the Church of Christ, none of which is known to be extant.
NameOrganized byDateSplit off / continuation ofCurrent statusNotes
Church of Christ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsExtant until around 1858Wight rejected the claims of leadership made by Brigham Young, William Smith, and James Strang. He moved a group of Latter Day Saints to the central Texas frontier. He accepted Joseph Smith III as his father's successor, but did not live long enough to join the RLDS Church.
Church of Christ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsExtant until around 1925William E. McLellin claimed that Joseph Smith had designated David Whitmer, one of the Three Witnesses, as his successor. By 1925, most remaining members of the Whitmerite church had united with the Church of Christ.
Church of Christ 1848Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDefunctPublished a periodical entitled The Olive Branch.
The Bride, the Lamb's Wife1848Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDefunctSyfritt claimed to have been taken to heaven to converse with Joseph Smith, who designated him as his true successor.
Congregation of Jehovah's Presbytery of Zion1848Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDefunctAlso called Baneemyites and Conjespresites. Thompson claimed to be "Baneemy" mentioned in. Said the church had been rejected by God following Joseph Smith's death, and he had been called to renew the priesthood among the gentiles.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1851Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsDissolved after Bishop's death in 1865Many members later helped to form the Church of Christ.
Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints1994The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsExtant as of 1998; status currently unknownThe denomination holds to the canonicity of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, but does not accept other texts in the Latter Day Saint movement such as the Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants.

Spontaneous or unknown lineage

Those denominations which originated independent from other organizations and do not trace their doctrinal or priesthood lineage to any 19th-century Latter Day Saint factions, but still hold Latter Day Saint beliefs.
NameOrganized byDateSplit off / continuation ofCurrent statusNotes
Independent Latter Day Saint congregations in NigeriaChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Extant until around 1978After LDS Church missionaries visited the town of Uyo in 1953, Obot decided to form unauthorized branches of the church in Nigeria and wrote for more information to church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, due to Nigerian government visas restrictions and the absence of church leadership, these branches deviated from LDS Church doctrine. This included some practicing of polygamy and establishing their own black priesthood hierarchy, both of which were prohibited at the time by church doctrine.
Independent Latter Day Saint congregations in Ghana1964Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Extant until around 1978Upon receiving a copy of the Book of Mormon, Johnson started "Latter day Saint" congregations in Ghana independent from any Latter Day Saint denomination. In 1976, Johnson went to find "The Mormons" and found the RLDS Church instead. However, no further contact was established with the RLDS Church. Upon the announcement of the 1978 Revelation on Priesthood, allowing those of black African descent into the priesthood, Johnson and most of his group were baptized into the LDS Church.
Apostolic Divine Church of Ghana1976Independent Latter-Day Saint congregations in GhanaExtant for only a few monthsThe Cape Coast group of the independent Latter Day Saint congregations in Ghana schismed when ongoing contact was not established with the LDS Church or RLDS Church in 1976. Some of the individuals in this group formed the Apostolic Divine Church of Ghana, however, this denomination lasted only a few months.
Fellowships of the remnantsSpontaneously formed around the teachings of Denver C. Snuffer Jr.2013Affiliated fellowship groups in schism with the mainstream LDS ChurchAs of 2017, has about 5,000 adherents within about fifty fellowships worldwide

Table of provenances

Gallery