SALT LAKE CITY-Friday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sent a declaration worldwide concerning adjustments to be made to temple worship throughout the world.
The First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles confirmed that health conditions that are swiftly changing worldwide have placed restrictions on the Church, expediting the temporary closure of numerous temples operated by the Salt Lake City-based faith.
As of March 16, the following changes will be made worldwide:
-where government or other restrictions on public and/or religious gatherings would, in effect, preclude temple activity, proxy and living ordinances will be temporarily suspended.
-where government or all 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 also be closed for the time being, the statement attests.
In the meantime, Church members will be provided with instructions concerning when they schedule their appointments for living ordinances. Individuals with currently-scheduled appointments will be contacted by temple staff.
Furthermore, steps will be taken in all temples to minimize the risk of disease spreading, including the reduction of temple staff, limiting guests at live ordinances and following guidelines for interacting with patrons.
Additional information will be provided to temple presidencies and further adjustments will be made as is deemed necessary.
The First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles, colloquially known as “the Brethren” in Church parlance, concluded their statement by expressing hopes for temples to operate at full capacity as soon as possible.
