Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mandates masks in temples

SALT LAKE CITY — Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have mandated masks or face coverings in all of the church’s temples worldwide. The announcement was made by the faith’s First Presidency in a letter to local leaders Wednesday.

A portion of the letter stated: “effective immediately, all temple patrons and workers are asked to wear face masks at all times while in the temple. These safety protocols are temporary, based on COVID-19 conditions, and will be rescinded as soon as circumstances permit.”

The letter from Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring came as cases of COVID-19 increase in many areas including Utah. The cases have surged due the delta variant.

In August, the First Presidency encouraged Church members around the world to wear face masks when necessary and to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Nelson and other Church leaders have repeatedly encouraged members to wear masks and get the COVID-19 shot. They were vaccinated on Jan. 19.

Church members have been encouraged to be vaccinated and to protect themselves before during previous pandemics. Prior First Presidencies shared similar messages in 1900 about smallpox and in 1957 regarding polio.

The letter concluded with a plea for members to do all they can to protect themselves and others so the Church’s work can move forward.


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3 Comments

  • Cob Bobb September 22, 2021 at 1:17 pm Reply

    How dare they tell their followers what to wear!

  • pablo September 22, 2021 at 4:49 pm Reply

    Wonder if our Senator Lee will comply?

  • Bird free September 25, 2021 at 4:16 pm Reply

    He needs something to wipe his chin with, afterTrump.

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