Church Leaders Announce Temporary Changes To Temple Worship

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is making temporary changes to temple worship, according to a Church statement.

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles sent a letter to Church members around the world on Friday.

Temples that are closed will remain closed, according to the Church. In areas where there are no government restrictions on large gatherings, temples will remain open.

There is a change to what will take place inside, though. Only temple ordinances for living people will continue. There will be no proxy ordinances for the dead.

Live ordinances will be done by appointment only, according to the Church.

The adjustments will begin March 16.

Here is the letter sent to Church members:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Rapidly changing health conditions around the world have been a source of growing concern. Many governments have placed restrictions that have required the temporary closure of a number of temples. As we have prayerfully sought to balance these limitations with the need to carry on temple work, we have decided to make the following temporary adjustments, which are effective March 16, 2020 for all temples around the world.

• Where government or other restrictions on public and/or religious gatherings would, in effect, preclude temple activity, proxy and living ordinances will temporarily be suspended.
• Where government or other restrictions do not preclude all temple activity, the following temple ordinances for living persons will be accommodated as capacity permits by appointment only: husband-and-wife and child-to-parents sealing ordinances and living initiatory and endowment ordinances. On a temporary basis, proxy temple ordinances will not be performed.
• All patron housing will be closed.

Church members will be provided with instructions when they schedule their appointments for living ordinances. Individuals with currently scheduled appointments will be contacted by temple staff.

Steps will be taken in all temples to minimize the risk of spreading disease, including reducing temple staff, limiting guests at living ordinances, and following guidelines for interacting with patrons.

Additional information will be provided to temple presidencies, and further adjustments will be made as necessary.

We look forward with great anticipation to the time when temples can again operate at full capacity and extend the blessings of temple work to members and their ancestors.

Sincerely,

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles