SALT LAKE CITY-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has sent a letter and two documents to leaders throughout the world as it continues to address the effects of COVID-19.
The documents explain administrative principles in the Church during these hard times.
The document on administrative principles, entitled “Administrative Principles in Challenging Times” provides encouragement for leaders, noting the unusual difficulty of the present time.
It also tells all members of the Salt Lake City-based faith to be good citizens and a reminder that the Lord has prepared the Church for challenges such as these and wisdom for all the leaders to properly perform their ecclesiastical duties.
The second document talks about the Church’s essential ordinances (baptisms, confirmations, priesthood ordinations and setting apart), priesthood blessings, administration of the Sacrament, Church meetings and everyday service performed by members of the Church.
The rites of baptism, confirmation and priesthood ordination must be done in person.
If necessary, the leader overseeing these ordinances (along with other members, family and friends) can watch remotely via technology.
Priesthood blessings to heal the sick also require a physical touch of hand to head. The document also says that after this has been done, “after taking every necessary precaution” when conditions prohibit placing hands on a person’s feet, a prayer can be offered, including the use of technology.
This is a prayer of faith and not a priesthood blessing. Anyone at any time may pray, fast or otherwise minister to others.
As has been the case since mid-March, a local bishop can authorize priesthood holders in his congregation to prepare and administer the Sacrament in their homes.
In unusual circumstances where the Sacrament is not available, members can be comforted by studying the sacramental prayers and recommitting to live the covenants they have made and praying for the day that they can receive it.
The Church also says that where restricted by government regulations, weddings, funerals and receptions should not occur in meetinghouses.
As permitted by law, bishops and stake presidents may officiate in weddings in an appropriate setting where social distancing can be maintained.
Technology may also be used to allow family and friends to view the service. Leaders and members should comply with government orders, regulations and guidelines.
Members of bishoprics and stake presidencies may temporarily conduct temple recommend interviews using face-to-face technology. Members should continue to be interviewed by both a member of the bishopric and a member of the stake presidency.
Blood drives are still permitted, but they must follow government orders, regulations and guidelines established in each location and the protocols of the blood drive entity (Red Cross or others). Meetinghouses should not be used for these purposes until further notice. Meetinghouse parking lots may be used by the Red Cross and other entities using portable facilities if all government orders, regulations and guidelines are followed.
