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How does one minister, give a priesthood blessing, or provide the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during a global pandemic? These are among the issues addressed by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a letter and two documents sent to the faith’s global leadership as it continues to address the effects of COVID-19. Newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org also has a third document (found below) that contains answers to many other questions not addressed in the First Presidency’s letter to leadership.
The First Presidency has issued guidelines on how to administer the Church in challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic we are experiencing now.
See the letter and documents:
- First Presidency Letter on Administrative Principles in Challenging Times
- Administrative Principles in Challenging Times
- Directions for Essential Ordinances, Blessings, and Other Church Functions
- Responding to COVID-19: Answers to Questions
The leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reiterated the longstanding principle that the church and its members will follow all laws. Another guiding principle is that “priesthood ordinances cannot be performed remotely using technology. When circumstances require, however, others may observe the ordinance remotely using technology if authorized by the presiding authority.”
First Presidency Letter on Administrative Principles in Challenging Times
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent the following letter April 16, 2020, to Church leaders around the globe. Also see the latest updates on how COVID-19 is impacting Latter-day Saints..
We are grateful for the efforts many of you are making to follow the directions carefully from national, state, and local leaders in many countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is also taking appropriate precautions and is providing assistance to those in need.
Under the present circumstances and under conditions that may exist in the future, the Church and its members will faithfully exhibit our commitment to being good citizens and good neighbors.
Attached to this letter are documents that explain administrative principles for the Church during challenging times. Directions are enclosed for essential ordinances, blessings, and other Church functions to guide leaders through the current crisis and the challenging days that are ahead.
These documents are issued in response to the disruptions in Church procedures and member activities caused by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. They should provide guidance as long as this pandemic exists in a particular country or region. Other directions may be issued later.
Sincerely,
The First Presidency