La Luz Del Mundo

La Luz Del Mundo

Coordinates: 20°40′19.02″N 103°17′2.76″W / 20.67195°N 103.2841°W / 20.67195; -103.2841

The Iglesia del Dios Vivo Columna y Apoyo de la Verdad La Luz del Mundo, (Church of the Living God, Column and Ground of the Truth, The Light of the World) is a Christian denomination with international headquarters in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. La Luz del Mundo (abbreviated LLDM, or sometimes The LDM) is based on a Christian doctrine and is centered around two charismatic leaders, founder Aarón Joaquín González (originally known as Eusebio Joaquín) and his son Samuel Joaquín Flores. These two are regarded by the church as living apostles of God. The church was founded in Guadalajara, Jalisco in 1926. Its members claim to be the restoration of primitive Christianity. Throughout the mid-1900s the church expanded throughout Mexico and entered other nations late in Joaquín González's ministry. After Joaquín González died, his son became the church's new leader and worked to expand the church internationally.

The church does not use crosses or images in its worship services and its members do not celebrate Christmas or Holy Week. According to some sources, it is also nontrinitarian. Female members have a dress code which mandates long skirts and the use of head coverings during religious services. The church's hierarchy only allows men into leadership positions in the religious arena, and it is headed by Joaquín Flores, referred to by believers as the Apostle of Jesus Christ and the Servant of God. La Luz del Mundo has experienced discrimination and its members have been victims of violence in Mexico.