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GENEALOGISTS
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The
International Genealogical Index (IGI)
The
International Genealogical Index (IGI) is a database of genealogical
records compiled from a variety of sources and maintained by The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the LDS or Mormons).
The Mormons believe that life continues after death and that when we die, our eternal spirits go to a spirit world where we await the Resurrection and Final Judgement. Members also believe that 'the family' can also continue beyond the grave. They believe too that already deceased ancestors can receive blessings (called covenants) to be eternally reunited with their families. In order to make these covenants, LDS members must first identify them hence the reason they collect genealogical data from all over the world.
The database contains hundreds of millions of records, principally baptisms but also many marriages from Britain, Ireland, the United States, Canada and around 70 other countries. Most entries have been extracted from parish or non-conformist registers but since 1992 more reliance has been placed on information collected by LDS members themselves. This usually comprises of recollections of relatives or information from family bibles, letters, etc. Bishops' Transcripts and published copies of registers have also been sourced which is why the IGI should only be looked upon as an index. It is also incomplete. Many parishes are not covered at all by the IGI whereas others have very good coverage.
Whilst the IGI is a very useful finding aid it is most definitely not a substitute for looking in parish registers and any entry found should be checked against the original.
The Mormons believe that life continues after death and that when we die, our eternal spirits go to a spirit world where we await the Resurrection and Final Judgement. Members also believe that 'the family' can also continue beyond the grave. They believe too that already deceased ancestors can receive blessings (called covenants) to be eternally reunited with their families. In order to make these covenants, LDS members must first identify them hence the reason they collect genealogical data from all over the world.
The database contains hundreds of millions of records, principally baptisms but also many marriages from Britain, Ireland, the United States, Canada and around 70 other countries. Most entries have been extracted from parish or non-conformist registers but since 1992 more reliance has been placed on information collected by LDS members themselves. This usually comprises of recollections of relatives or information from family bibles, letters, etc. Bishops' Transcripts and published copies of registers have also been sourced which is why the IGI should only be looked upon as an index. It is also incomplete. Many parishes are not covered at all by the IGI whereas others have very good coverage.
Whilst the IGI is a very useful finding aid it is most definitely not a substitute for looking in parish registers and any entry found should be checked against the original.
UK Genealogists
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Jo
UK Genealogists
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East Sussex
UK
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