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The Temple

The Mormon Temple is not used for the regular weekly worship of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is reserved for some of the Church's most holy ceremonies.

The buildings used for regular worship are open to everyone, but only Mormons regarded as worthy by the Church are able to enter a Temple.

The London Temple ©

The Temple is a holy building that Mormons regard as the house of the Lord.

It's a place where a Mormon finds special opportunities to meditate and to draw closer to their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Temples are used for many things, including:

• Education about the purpose of life and the individual's relationship with God
• Ceremonies that bless individuals and bind families together for eternity
• The making of covenants to serve God and humanity

Some of the work that is carried out in the Temple is done on behalf of people who have already died. Mormons believe that if living people deserve the saving ordinances laid down in the gospel, then so do people who have died.

An ordinance is an earthly symbol of a spiritual reality. It is often an act that symbolises a covenant or agreement with the Lord. An example of an ordinance is Baptism.

Secrecy

Non-Mormons are often puzzled that they can't enter a temple, and that Mormons won't reveal much of what goes on inside.

There is nothing sinister about this - it's just that some things are regarded as so holy that they should only be spoken of in the temple.

Inside a temple

Despite the imposing exteriors of many temples, the inside is not a huge room like the interior of a cathedral. Instead, a temple contains a number of small rooms designed for ceremonies and education.

Going to the temple

Because a temple is such a holy place, Mormons make sure they are in the right state before they visit a temple. They need to:

• Be worthy
• Be humble
• Understand that receiving temple ordinances and covenants is essential to gaining eternal life
• Understand the importance of wearing the temple garment
• Be prepared for personal and sacred worship

Going to the temple

People going to a temple should wear clothing that is suitable for the house of the Lord. They should avoid wearing casual clothes, sports attire, and ostentatious jewellery.

Before they take part in temple ceremonies, Church members change into simple, modest, white clothing.

Not only does the white clothing symbolise purity and reverence, but being dressed alike reminds believers that they are equal in God's eyes.

Find out more

• Mormon communal worship