What is Zion?

In the scriptures, the word Zion can mean:

“The pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21).
The Lord’s people, or the Church and its stakes (see Doctrine and Covenants 82:14).
A specific place where the Lord’s people live and gather, such as:
1. The city of Enoch (see Moses 7:18).
2. The ancient city of Jerusalem (see 2 Samuel 5:6–7; 1 Kings 8:1; 2 Kings 9:28).
3. The New Jerusalem—a city to be built in the latter days in Jackson County, Missouri, USA (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:66–67; Articles of Faith 1:10).

Although Church members today do not gather to a central place, we “participate in a great project to establish Zion in preparation for the Lord’s return.” Our leaders have taught us to establish Zion and strengthen the Church wherever we live. We do this, in part, by seeking to live as “Zion” people live. For example, in Moses 7:18 we learn:

They are “of one heart and one mind.”
They dwell in righteousness.
There are “no poor among them.”