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Cover image via LDS Media Library.
In a letter dated March 1, 2019, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints explained new adjustments to temple-related policies and procedures particularly related to the efforts and roles of temple workers.
The purpose of these changes, according to the letter, are to “simplify service in the temple and better meet the needs of members and leaders and are effective immediately.”
The adjustments are threefold. The first explains that “Mothers with dependent children and brethren serving in certain callings may now serve as ordinance workers.” Where those opportunities may not have been available before, they are now though the letter still emphasizes the importance of reviewing individual circumstances and encourages members to “avoid placing undue burdens on themselves or their families as they consider these service opportunities.”
The second adjustment announced an end to the formal calling of veil worker. “Accordingly, brethren who were previously designated to serve solely as veil workers will be released by the temple presidency. As their circumstances allow, these brethren may be called and set apart as ordinance workers and given a special assignment to serve at the veil.”
The last change will now allow the use of cell phones and other electronic devices in the temple office for the purpose of printing Family Ordinance Requests and family name cards. Elsewhere in the temple, the request continues to remain that cell phones but turned off and stored in lockers during temple service.
Through these adjustments, the Church hopes to “provide greater opportunities for members to receive the blessings of temple service, both as workers and as patrons.”
