4 Temples Moving To Phase 3 Reopening; Resuming Proxy Ordinances
Dec 7, 2020, 10:18 AM | Updated: 10:31 am
FILE (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced four temples are set to move to Phase 3 of the church’s four-phase reopening plan.
Temples in Phase 1 of the plan are open for living husband-and-wife sealings by appointment with strict guidelines and safety precautions.
In Phase 2, temples are open for all living ordinances only with restrictions.
Those temples moving into Phase 3 will be open for all ordinances with restrictions. This includes limited ordinances on behalf of deceased individuals.
“As we anticipate performing more proxy ordinances in the temples, we do for others what they cannot do for themselves. Without these blessings, these deceased individuals are profoundly disadvantaged,” Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in a video released with the announcement. “The Savior taught that the second great commandment, after loving God, was ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ As it relates to this pandemic, especially in temples, that means social distancing, wearing a mask and not gathering in large groups. These steps demonstrate our love for others and provide us a measure of protection. Wearing a face covering is a sign of Christlike love for our brothers and sisters.”
Temples will return to regular operations under Phase 4 of the plan.
The Church announced the four temples moving to Phase 3 will be the Nuku’alofa Tonga Temple, the Apia Samoa Temple, the Brisbane Australia Temple, and the Taipei Taiwan Temple. That change is set to take effect Dec. 21.
On Dec. 14, the Panama City Panama Temple will reopen in Phase 1, and the Melbourne Australia Temple, the Mérida Mexico Temple, the Tampico Mexico Temple, and the Villahermosa Mexico Temple will all move to Phase 2.
No temples have been moved to Phase 4.
Nearly all of the faith’s 168 operating temples have reopened in Phase 1, according to a statement from the Church, and most have moved to Phase 2.
Operations at 11 temples, including six in California and one in Pennsylvania, have been paused due to local pandemic restrictions.
