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The following answers to frequently asked questions are intended to help clarify some aspects of the temporary adjustments to temple worship announced by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Friday, March 13, 2020.
1. Which temples are open for living ordinances, and which are temporarily closed?
Most temples are open for living ordinances. However, a growing number of temples are temporarily closed and have suspended all operations and ordinances due to government restrictions in response to COVID-19. The current status of each temple can be found on the individual temple pages at temples.churchofjesuschrist.org.
2. Which ordinances are being performed?
In temples that are open, the following ordinances for living persons may be scheduled: husband-and-wife sealings, child-to-parents sealings, and living initiatory and endowment ordinances. Please visit the individual temple pages for information about scheduling a living ordinance.
No proxy ordinances, including baptisms, are being performed in any temple. The only exception to this policy is for guests accompanying a member who is receiving his or her own endowment.
3. May patrons schedule appointments to receive living ordinances in temples outside of their home temple district?
To help minimize the spread of COVID-19, temples will only accept appointments for living ordinances from members residing within the temple district. In states, provinces, or regions that have multiple temples, those temples can accept appointments for living ordinances from members within the state, province, or region. This applies retroactively to previously scheduled appointments. Members showing symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend the temple. See entire announcement.
4. How will living ordinances be performed to help minimize the spread of COVID-19?
Living endowment and sealing ordinances will be scheduled for one family or group at a time. Multiple families or groups will not participate in ordinances together. For example, members receiving their own endowment will be scheduled for a living endowment session where only their guests will be present.
5. How many people may attend a living ordinance?
In addition to those receiving the living ordinance, up to eight guests may be invited to attend. For example, a couple being sealed may invite no more than eight guests. There are no exceptions to the maximum number of guests.
6. Will some missionaries enter the field without receiving their temple endowment?
Yes. Some missionaries will enter the mission field without receiving their endowment. Questions regarding these circumstances should be directed to the Missionary Department.
7. May patrons and guests gather outside the temple and take pictures after a living ordinance?
Many local governments have counseled against large gatherings. To help minimize the spread of COVID-19, members are encouraged to follow all local guidelines and restrictions.
8. Will temples accept names for the prayer roll?
If a temple is open for living ordinances, names will continue to be accepted for the prayer roll. To submit names for the prayer roll, please email the names to the temple or leave a message on the temple’s answering machine. Please visit temples.churchofjesuschrist.org for a list of temples and their contact information.
At temples that have temporarily suspended operations, names will not be accepted until the temple resumes normal operations.
9. Can I rent clothing at the temple?
Members are encouraged to bring their own temple clothing if possible.
10. Will distribution centers remain open?
In locations where temples are performing living ordinances, distribution centers will remain open, but will have reduced staff and limited hours. In locations where temples have suspended all operations, distribution centers will be closed. If you need temple clothing, please call the nearest distribution center for hours of operation.
11. Is temple patron housing open?
No. Temple patron housing is closed until temples resume their normal operations.
12. How long will these adjustments be in place?
Because the COVID-19 situation is still evolving, it is not known when temples will resume normal operations. Individual temples likely will reopen as conditions improve in each location.
13. Where can I get additional information?
This page is updated regularly with the latest information. In addition, Church members may contact local priesthood leaders or the temple (if open) with questions about their personal situation. Priesthood leaders may direct questions to the area office. The area office may direct questions to the Temple Department. News media should contact the Church Communication Department with all questions.