Salt Lake City, UT (LDS News) In a letter released yesterday The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that beginning January 1, 2018 members of the Aaronic Priesthood shall be invited to officiate in the performance ordinances in the baptistry of the Temple and young women may assist with baptistry assignments currently performed by sister temple ordinance workers and volunteers.
Below is the copy of the letter that will be read in Sacrament Meetings this Sunday
(To be read in sacrament meeting)
December 14, 2017 To: General Authorities; General Auxiliary Presidencies; Area Seventies; Stake, Mission, and Temple Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents; Stake and Ward Young Men, Young Women, and Primary Presidencies
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Youth Participation in the Baptistry and Preparing Children for Priesthood and Temple Service We are grateful for the increase in temple and family history work being completed by the faithful youth of the Church. In unprecedented numbers, young women and young men throughout the world are researching, finding, and bringing family names to the temple to perform baptisms and confirmations. We are pleased to announce the following changes, effective on January 1, 2018:
Under the direction of the temple presidency, young women (ages 12-18) with a limited-use temple recommend may assist with baptistry assignments currently performed by sister temple ordinance workers and volunteers.
Under the direction of the temple presidency, all priests in the Aaronic Priesthood with a limited-usetemple recommend may officiate in baptisms for the dead, including serving as the baptizer and as a witness. Bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost continues to be solely a Melchizedek Priesthood function.
The Primary’s Priesthood Preview meeting will be modified to include both 11-year-old boys and girls and will be called the Temple and Priesthood Preparation meeting. This will be an opportunity for priesthood, Primary, and youth leaders to help girls and boys, and their parents, understand the significant blessings of temple service, priesthood service, and making and keeping sacred covenants. For moreinformation, see Primary.lds.org.We are confident that these changes will bless the lives of youth and children throughout the Church.
Sincerely yours, The First Presidency
