The Mormon Church's Policy on Temple Use by Other Churches

Temples hold a special place in the hearts and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). They are not just places of worship but sacrosanct spaces where sacred ordinances are performed. Given this critical importance, it is essential to understand the policy regarding the use of LDS temples by other churches.

Why Temples are Not Shared with Other Churches

The sanctity of the temple is paramount, and it is deemed inappropriate for other churches to use these hallowed grounds. Unlike meetinghouses, which are used for weekly gatherings, temples are reserved for specific, sacred ordinances. These include performing ordinances for the dead, sealing families together for eternity, and vicarious work for deceased ancestors. The church has strict criteria for who can enter a temple, and this applies to non-Mormons as well.

Historical Context

It is important to note that in the past, the Church did allow other denominations to use meetinghouses for temporary purposes. For example, when another church’s building burned down, members of the LDS church were sometimes invited to hold services in their local meetinghouse until the original church could be rebuilt. However, this was a far cry from allowing access to the temples.

The current policy strictly prohibits other churches from using LDS temples. Non-Mormons are not only barred from entering but are not even allowed to use the temple grounds. The Church maintains this policy to ensure the integrity and sanctity of these sacred spaces.

Exclusive Use for Mormons

The decision to keep temples exclusively for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stems from a deep respect for the importance of these ordinances. Members of the church who have been invited into the temple have gone through a rigorous process of preparation and background checks. They are required to obtain a temple recommend, which is issued by ecclesiastical authorities after thorough evaluation and interviews. This recommend is valid for two years and is required for temple attendance.

Conclusion

The policy of excluding other churches from using LDS temples is firmly rooted in tradition and religious practice. Despite occasional invitations to use meetinghouses in times of need, the strict guidelines for temple use ensure that these sacred spaces remain reserved for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This policy helps maintain the sanctity and respect for the sacred ordinances performed within these buildings.