6 Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Mormons

Mormon priests perform proxy baptisms — baptisms on non-Mormons after death — so that the deceased's spirit has a chance to go to heaven. Since Mormons believe that baptism is necessary, the Church encourages members to get baptized for those who have died without baptism. Mormons do not believe babies and small children were born with sin. Mormon children are not baptized until 8-years-old, when they are believed able to consent to the ritual. Those who are baptized enter into a covenant with God to take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end. Church members renew this covenant each time they partake of the sacrament.