As the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration presses on, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is reminding its bishops and other lay leaders that they are not to ask members about their immigration status in temple interviews.
That position was reaffirmed in a letter this week from the faith’s governing First Presidency to all general officers and local male authorities who conduct “worthiness interviews” with members desiring to participate in temple rituals.
“With enhanced enforcement of immigration laws in various jurisdictions, we have received inquiries from priesthood leaders about temple recommend interview questions,” states the April 24 letter signed by church President Russell M. Nelson and his two counselors. “We remind those conducting temple recommend interviews that under established policy, local leaders are to ask only the temple recommend questions as currently constituted.”
The prescribed questions cover a range of beliefs and behaviors — including members’ faith in Jesus Christ, their attendance at church meetings, their payment of tithes, and their adherence to the faith’s Word of Wisdom health code.
There is no question about immigration status.
Authorities should not “add or remove any requirements,” the letter continues. “However, they may adapt the questions to the age and circumstances of the member.”
The First Presidency acknowledged that members sometimes have questions during these interviews.
“The priesthood leader may explain basic gospel principles. He may also help members understand the temple recommend questions if needed,” the letter says. “However, he should not present his personal beliefs, preferences or interpretations as church doctrine or policy.”
This reminder echoes the church’s long-standing position on immigration.
In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s January promise of “mass deportations,” for example, the Utah-based faith waded delicately into the debate. It issued a news release proclaiming its obedience to the law and reiterating principles that “guide the church’s approach.
They are:
• Loving “all God’s children.”
• Providing “basic food and clothing, as our capacity allows, to those in need, regardless of their immigration status.”
• Keeping families together.
In addition to emphasizing these values, the global faith of 17.5 million members encouraged bishops and other local leaders to consult with the church’s attorneys on how to deal with immigrants lacking permanent legal status in their congregations.
This letter “is clearly consistent with church policy,” Charles Kuck, a Latter-day Saint immigration attorney in Atlanta, said Friday. “When I served as a bishop of a Spanish unit, I would never have even thought to ask this question. I’m very glad it has been emphasized in these difficult times.”
