Since the early days after my baptism I remember discussions about a future time when we would only worship in our homes. The current situation is temporary, but it’s probably only the first of many other similar situations in the future. It is not a coincidence that the home-centered curriculum has been promoted so strongly.
The idea of home-centered and church-supported curriculum has never been more important and what is happening proves that it is an inspired program. And now, after having only 2 hours of church on Sunday for more than a year, we are better prepared to have none. If you are prepared you will not fear!
Read below the letter sent today by The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Church members worldwide.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As promised in our letter of March 11, 2020, we continue to monitor the changing conditions related to COVID-19 throughout the world. We have considered the counsel of local Church leaders, government officials and medical professionals, and have sought the Lord’s guidance in these matters. We now provide the following updated directions.
Beginning immediately, all public gatherings of Church members are being temporarily suspended worldwide until further notice. This includes:
- Stake conferences, leadership conferences and other large gatherings
- All public worship services, including sacrament meetings
- Branch, ward and stake activities
Where possible, leaders should conduct any essential leadership meetings via technology. Specific questions may be referred to local priesthood leaders. Further direction related to other matters will be provided.
Bishops should counsel with their stake president to determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month.
We encourage members in their ministering efforts to care for one another. We should follow the Savior’s example to bless and lift others.
We bear our witness of the Lord’s love during this time of uncertainty. He will bless you to find joy as you do your best to live the gospel of Jesus Christ in every circumstance.
Sincerely,
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
When I read above that “Bishops should counsel with their stake president to determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month,” I get the impression that this “temporarily worldwide suspension” of all public gatherings of Church members may last a very long time!
Updates on How COVID-19 Is Impacting Latter-day Saints Worldwide
COVID-19 (coronavirus) is impacting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its global membership. The Church is monitoring developments and taking steps to comply with best practices and direction provided by public health organizations of various national governments.
Click the links below to read the latest on how COVID-19 is affecting the Church.
- General Conference (Updated March 11)
- Other Large Gatherings (Updated March 11)
- Missionary Work (Updated March 12, 11:15 a.m. MDT)
- Church Educational System (CES) (Updated March 12, 5:45 p.m. MDT)
- Temple Worship (Updated March 11)
- Weekly Worship Services (Updated March 12, 4:30 p.m. MDT)
- Preventative Measures for Members (Updated in February)
- Church Workforce (Updated March 5)
- Church Aid (Updated February 4)
General Conference (Updated March 11, 2020)
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter Wednesday March 11, 2020, to members of the Church worldwide. The Church leaders announced a significant change to the format of the April 2020 general conference. Sessions will be done virtually. Members will not gather at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City or at stake centers or meetinghouses in areas where COVID-19 is active.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks