How is genealogy connected to baptism for the dead in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, genealogy and baptism for the dead are intrinsically linked by the church's belief that baptism is essential for salvation. Because the church teaches that this rite can be performed by proxy for those who died without knowledge of the truth, members compile meticulous genealogical records to identify specific candidates for these ceremonies.12

This research is driven by a religious commitment to provide the opportunity for salvation to the deceased population of the earth. To facilitate this, the church maintains thousands of family history centers worldwide that assist individuals with genealogical research, regardless of their personal faith. These essential ceremonies, including baptism by proxy and the sealing of families, are performed exclusively within temples.1