SALT LAKE CITY-Tuesday, The First Presidency and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints authorized a phased return to some of the Salt Lake City-based faith’s weekly worship services and activities.
A letter was sent to general and local leaders around the world stating that this can only be done when local governmental regulations permit and after Area Presidencies provide additional guidance to Church leaders.
This will consist of a two-phase approach, always following governmental regulations to ensure the health and safety of all involved.
These models may be adjusted by Area Presidencies as local conditions require and as approved by their contact in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Presidency of the Seventy.
Stake presidents, counseling with bishops, will determine the specific timing for the resumption of meetings and activities.
Sabbath Day Worship Services: Phase 1
Shortened meetings at the meetinghouse with up to 99 individuals, following local government regulations.
Other Meetings and Activities: Phase 1
Shortened meetings, following local government regulations, may occur remotely, using technology
Sabbath Day Worship Services: Phase 2
Meetings at the meetinghouse with 100 or more individuals, following local government regulations
Other Meetings and Activities: Phase 2
Meetings at the meetinghouse, following local government regulations
The First Presidency confirmed their gratitude for the faithfulness of the members and are grateful for the blessings they will receive as they gather to worship.
In the meantime, Church leaders are instructed to consult the First Presidency letter from April 16, titled “Administrative Principles In Challenging Times” and its two enclosures.
They are also invited to consider these additional principles and guidelines to continue the prevention of the spread of COVID-1.
-Use an abundance of caution in protecting the health and safety of members. Pay particular attention to members whose health or age puts them at high risk.
-Advise individuals who do not feel well, who have been asked to self-quarantine or who exhibit any of the following symptoms should not attend meetings: fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, runny nose or sore throat.
-Follow social distancing, hand-washing and other practices described in “Preventative Measures For Members.”
-Follow government regulations in each location regarding public gatherings, including meeting size, frequency and duration. Please apply government regulations.
-Please return to regular practices shortly, continuing to function remotely using technology while beginning in-person meetings in a phased approach, as described above priority for in-person gatherings should be given to meetings during which ordinances are performed, such as baptisms and sacramental meetings.
This notice to leaders provides additional guidance on social distancing. what to do when more than the advised number of Church members want to attend a meeting, how to handle multiple congregations in a meetinghouse, appropriate sanity procedures, safe administration of the Sacrament and more.
More information is available here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/multimedia/file/safely-return-to-church-meetings-activities-guidelines-2020.pdf
