Kolbie PetersonLatter-day Saint temples around the world will gradually begin to return to normal operations as more people are vaccinated against COVID-19, the Utah-based faith announced Tuesday, including eliminating face mask requirements and capacity limits.
The decision to return to full operations will be made by local church authorities “based on local circumstances,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ governing First Presidency said in a news release, which was also sent as a letter to church leaders worldwide.
“Thank you for your patience during restricted temple operations that occurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the letter read. “We are eager to return the temples to full operation as soon as possible.”
The Utah-based faith announced in March 2020 that all temples would either close or be open “by appointment only” across the globe, as the coronavirus pandemic upended worship practices.
Since then, the faith’s temples have been reopening in phases.
Latter-day Saints consider a temple to be a House of the Lord, where the faithful participate in rites that unite families for eternity.
Kolbie Peterson reports on food, drink and small business for The Salt Lake Tribune and also writes the Utah Eats newsletter. She previously covered breaking news, crime and public safety as part of The Tribune's enterprise team. She received her bachelor's degree at Westminster University, back when it was Westminster College. She has five cats.