(n.) A geographic unit in the Mormon church, larger than a ward, comparable to a Catholic diocese. Each stake contains 6-12 wards. As of December 2004, there were 2,665 stakes worldwide.

(n.) A congregation of Mormons, similar to a Catholic “parish”. Wards are generally organized by geography, and often contain between 200-500 members. The entire ward meets together each Sunday. As of December 2004, there were 26,670 wards (and branches) worldwide.