At first glance, Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and Roman Catholicism can appear worlds apart. Differences in theology, history, and religious language can overshadow how each group sees each other, leading many to wonder: are Mormons Christian? But when one looks more closely at their structure, authority, and lived religious practice, some surprising similarities emerge. These similarities are not superficial; they touch on how each tradition understands divine authority, salvation, leadership, and revelation.
Drawing on comparative scholarship and interfaith reflections, here’s an explanation of four key areas where the LDS Church and Catholicism converge: the importance of formal ecclesiastical authority, the central role of ordinances or sacraments, hierarchical leadership led by a single individual, and a shared rejection of sola scriptura. Appreciating these similarities can deepen mutual respect and illuminate the richness of both traditions.
1. Commitment to Formal Ecclesiastical Authority
One of the most distinctive similarities between Mormonism and Catholicism is their shared belief in a divinely authorized priesthood. Unlike most Protestant traditions, which emphasize the “priesthood of all believers,” both Catholics and Latter-day Saints maintain that God’s authority is formally conferred through ordination and passed down through a structured lineage.
In Catholicism, this authority is understood through apostolic succession: the belief that the authority given by Jesus Christ to His apostles has been handed down through bishops in an unbroken line. Latter-day Saints also believe that priesthood authority was originally held by Christ’s apostles. However, instead of affirming an unbroken line of ordinations, they teach that this priesthood was gradually lost through a general apostasy and later restored through divine intervention.
Despite these differences, priesthood authority is essential for administering sacred rites and leading the Church in both traditions. As one Catholic priest observed in a comparative study, the priesthood in both churches serves to “teach, govern and sanctify” believers.
This shared emphasis leads to a similar understanding: divine authority is not self-assumed or democratically assigned, but is transmitted through sacred ordination. In both faiths, this authority creates a clear distinction between clergy and laity, while also serving the spiritual needs of the entire community.
2. Ordinances and Sacraments as Essential to Salvation
Another key similarity in Catholic Christianity vs Mormonism is the belief that sacred rituals (called sacraments in Catholicism and ordinances in Mormonism) are not optional expressions of faith, but necessary for salvation.
Catholics recognize seven sacraments, including baptism, the Eucharist, and confirmation, as channels through which God imparts grace to the soul. Latter-day Saints similarly practice what they call saving ordinances. These include baptism, confirmation, and temple rites. In both traditions, these acts are understood as divinely instituted and spiritually transformative.
Both religions teach that these rites must be performed by someone holding proper priesthood authority. Their validity depends not only on personal faith, but also on correct form and authorized administration. Baptism, for example, is considered essential in both traditions. While the mode and timing differ (infant baptism in Catholicism versus baptism at the age of accountability in Mormonism) the underlying conviction is shared: baptism is a necessary step in establishing a Godly life and being redeemed.
In this way, both traditions affirm a deeply incarnational view of salvation. Grace is not only an inward belief; it is accepted through external demonstrations. The physical and the spiritual are intertwined, and salvation unfolds through both faith in Christ and participation in divinely instituted rites.
3. Centralized Leadership and Hierarchical Structure
A third striking similarity is in how both churches are organized. Each tradition is led by a single, identifiable figure who holds ultimate ecclesiastical authority, supported by a structured hierarchy.
In Catholicism, the Pope serves as the supreme earthly leader of the Church, regarded as the successor to the Apostle Peter. Beneath him are cardinals, bishops, and priests, forming a global hierarchy that ensures unity in doctrine and practice.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by a President, who is sustained as a prophet, seer, and revelator. He is supported by counselors in the First Presidency and by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, followed by additional layers of leadership.
This parallel structure reflects a shared conviction: Christ’s church is not meant to be organizationally fragmented, but unified under divinely appointed leadership. Authority flows downward through clearly defined channels, creating both order and continuity.
Both systems also emphasize the importance of consistency and unity within the Church. Leaders are not merely administrators, but spiritual shepherds entrusted with guiding the faithful. This hierarchical model fosters a sense of global cohesion, allowing both churches to function as worldwide religious communities with shared teachings and practices.
4. Rejection of Sola Scriptura
Another significant theological similarity between Mormonism and Catholicism is their shared rejection of sola scriptura, the Protestant doctrine that the Bible alone is the sole authority in matters of faith and doctrine.
In Catholicism, scripture is deeply revered but is interpreted within the broader context of sacred tradition and the teaching authority (magisterium) of the Church. The Bible is seen as part of a larger, living deposit of faith.
Latter-day Saints likewise reject the idea that God’s word is confined to the Bible. They believe in an open canon of scripture and ongoing revelation through modern prophets. As one source from Brigham Young University explains, “there is no final revelation” in Mormonism, and living prophetic guidance plays a central role in guiding the Church. While some traditions may question: are Mormons Christians if they have this belief? This topic may be more easily tolerated in Mormon/Catholic dialogue.
In both traditions, authority is not limited to a static text. Instead, God is understood to continue guiding His people through authorized leaders. This creates a dynamic relationship between scripture, tradition, and revelation. While Catholicism emphasizes continuity of tradition, and Mormonism emphasizes restoration and continuing revelation, the underlying principle is similar: God’s voice is not confined to the past, but remains active in the present.
A Shared Vision of the Church as a Divine Institution
Beyond these four major similarities lies a broader, unifying theme: both Mormonism and Catholicism view the Church not only as a community of believers, but a divinely guided institution.
Catholics describe the Church as a “communion of saints,” animated by the Holy Spirit and serving as the vehicle through which Christ continues His work in the world. Latter-day Saints see their faith as Christ’s New Testament Church restored by divine intervention, complete with apostles, prophets, and spiritual gifts.
In both traditions, the Church isn’t just a good place to meet with fellow believers—it is central to God’s plan. It is where members receive necessary salvific rites, learn doctrine, and become part of a faithful community. Salvation is deeply connected to participation in a divinely established body.
Appreciating Similarities Without Ignoring Differences
Recognizing these similarities doesn’t require minimizing the real and important differences between Mormonism and Catholicism. The nature of God, the understanding of the Trinity, and the historical claims of each tradition remain areas of significant divergence.
However, focusing only on differences can obscure meaningful common ground. As interfaith dialogue has increasingly shown, identifying shared beliefs can foster mutual respect and open pathways for cooperation. Leaders and scholars from both traditions have encouraged such understanding, emphasizing the importance of working together where possible.
Fostering Religious Tolerance and Collaboration
Mormonism and Catholicism, though different in many ways, share a surprisingly robust set of foundational principles. These similarities suggest that the two traditions, rather than standing at opposing ends of the Christian spectrum, may occupy neighboring ground—particularly in how they understand authority, community, and the unfolding of God’s work in the world.
For believers in either faith, recognizing these parallels can be faith-affirming rather than threatening. It highlights the possibility that God has inspired multiple traditions to preserve important doctrines about order, worship, and divine guidance. In a world marked with religious intolerance, such insights invite a more generous perspective—one that looks past differences to appreciate shared devotion to following God and sharing His love with the world.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
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Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.
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