SALT LAKE CITY-When the day comes that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may meet again for services, there will be stipulations concerning what kind of art is allowed in meetinghouses.
A Monday letter from The First Presidency of the Salt Lake City-based faith asks local leaders to ensure the aesthetic feel in foyers and entryways to meetinghouses reflects an even deeper reverence for Christ.
This effort is to further emphasize that, per President Russell M. Nelson’s charge over the past 18 months, Christ is the center of worship for members of the faith.
The letter says local leaders and facilities managers should work together to ascertain Christ-focused art in foyers is not obstructed.
Leaders can continue to choose from a selection of art featuring the Savior of the world
Documents accompanying the letter entail the following five guidelines for a more Savior-focused experience of worship:
- Place existing artwork that depicts the Savior Himself or the Savior ministering to others in meetinghouse entries and foyers. Examine existing artwork to ensure it is appropriately framed, displayed and in good condition.
- Move other artwork to another location within the facility or remove it altogether.
- Choose replacement art, if needed, from the Approved Selection of Foyer artwork (attached to the First Presidency letter) and follow approved sizes and quality standards.
- Assess entries and foyers as part of an annual inspection to evaluate existing furnishings, artwork and finishes. Replace and update these items as needed to maintain a feeling of reverence for the Savior
- Remove distractions from the foyer area, such as display cases, bulletin boards, tables, easels and damaged furniture.
In the Church’s temples, all furnishings add to an atmosphere of peace, worship and reverence for the Savior.
This same principle also applies to the Church’s various meetinghouses.
In the words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Church’s Quorum of Twelve Apostles, it is in chapels that members partake of the Sacrament. Therefore, the Church has determined that artwork members see before heading into the chapel should be preparatory for this sacred ordinance weekly.
