Because of this sacredness and the covenants made, only members of the Church with a current temple recommend may attend the temple. To members of the Church, temples are houses of God. Temples are holy places of worship in which essential ordinances are received and sacred covenants are made. The custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) should understand the Church doctrine their child will be taught and support the child in making and keeping the baptismal covenant. Membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is available to people who “come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits,” “are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ,” and desire to make and keep sacred baptismal covenants ( Doctrine and Covenants 20:37).Ī minor child age 8 or older may be baptized with the permission of his or her custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Persons unwilling to follow these guidelines will be asked in a respectful way not to attend Church meetings and events. He encourages those whose behavior is improper for the occasion to focus on helping maintain a sacred space for everyone present with a special emphasis on worshipping Heavenly Father and the Savior.Ĭhurch meetinghouses remain private property subject to Church policies. If there is inappropriate behavior, the bishop or stake president gives private counsel in a spirit of love.

It also precludes making political statements or speaking of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics in a way that detracts from meetings focused on the Savior. That requires refraining from overt romantic behavior and from dress or grooming that causes distraction. All age and behavior requirements of different Church meetings and events should be respected. Those who attend should avoid disruptions or distractions contrary to worship or other purposes of the meeting.

The presiding officer is responsible to ensure that all who attend are respectful of the sacred setting. The Savior also taught that Church members are not to “cast any one out from … public meetings, which are held before the world” ( Doctrine and Covenants 46:3).Īll are welcome to attend sacrament meeting, other Sunday meetings, and social events of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Paul invited new converts to “no more be strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints” ( Ephesians 2:19). The Savior taught that His disciples should love their neighbors (see Matthew 22:39). “All are alike unto God,” and He invites all “to come unto him and partake of his goodness” ( 2 Nephi 26:33).Ĭhurch leaders and members are often asked who can attend meetings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who can become Church members, and who can attend a temple.

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