Does the LDS Church Provide API Access?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not offer public APIs for member data or most services, with narrow exceptions only for genealogy.
- No public API access exists for member directories, tools, or church operations.
- FamilySearch provides a documented developer API, but requires approval.
- Unofficial reverse-engineered endpoints are unsupported and carry policy risks.
- Requests for new features should go through official church feedback channels.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains tight control over its digital services and member information. Third-party developers seeking API access for building tools or integrations will find almost no official options available.
Official Policy
No public APIs are offered for core church applications such as Member Tools or Leader and Clerk Resources. Internal APIs remain restricted to official church use only. Access to sensitive data like membership records or ward details is withheld to comply with privacy regulations and security requirements.
Available Exceptions
- FamilySearch API: A public, documented interface at developers.familysearch.org allows approved access to genealogy and historical family records.
- Scripture and gospel content: Limited beta access existed around 2011 but has since been discontinued or heavily restricted.
Unofficial Options and Risks
Community projects on GitHub sometimes provide reverse-engineered wrappers for churchofjesuschrist.org endpoints. These carry no church endorsement, may breach terms of service, and can be blocked without notice.
- Use official church applications for day-to-day needs.
- Submit feature requests through established feedback channels.
- Review content permissions at permissions.churchofjesuschrist.org for IP-related questions.
Sources
- tech.churchofjesuschrist.org forum discussions
- developers.familysearch.org
- permissions.churchofjesuschrist.org
