Temple (Latter Day Saints)

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the LDS Church or Mormon Church), a temple is a building dedicated to being a House of the Lord, considered the most sacred structure of worship. Temples are distinct from meetinghouses or chapels, which are used for regular Sunday services and other weekday activities.

Temples are utilized for special ordinances and covenants considered essential for the salvation and exaltation of individuals and families. These ordinances include:

• Baptisms for the Dead: Proxy baptisms performed on behalf of deceased individuals who did not have the opportunity to be baptized in this life.
• Endowments: A series of instructions, covenants, and symbolic presentations designed to help individuals understand God's plan of salvation and their potential to return to His presence.
• Sealings: Ordinances that bind families together for eternity, including the sealing of husband and wife, and children to their parents.

Entry into temples is reserved for members of the Church who are considered worthy, based on adherence to Church teachings and standards. Worthiness is determined through an interview with local Church leaders, resulting in the issuance of a "temple recommend."

The Church maintains a distinction between temples and meetinghouses, emphasizing that temples are places where individuals can draw closer to God and participate in sacred ordinances unavailable elsewhere. The purpose of these ordinances is to provide opportunities for eternal progression and family unity. The construction and maintenance of temples are considered a high priority for the Church.