Changes to Temple Ordinances
Many people who seek to prove The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wrong will sometimes claim that there have been changes to the Church Temple ordinances. They use this as a weapon when referring to Joseph Smith's statement that "Ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foundation of the world, in the priesthood, for the salvation of men, are not to be altered or changed." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 308.)
Symbolic Changes
In August, 1830, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation pertaining to the ordinance of the sacrament. In this revelation Joseph Smith was told "it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins." (Doctrine and Covenants 27:2) In other words, food and drink, or bread and wine, were not the most essential elements of the ordinance.
Symbolism is a language like any other. Different symbols mean different things to different people in different cultures. The Temple endowment was revealed in English, but has since been translated into many different languages. Similarly, there have been minor changes in some of the symbolism of the Endowment over the years, however, the fundamental message, central covenants, and bestowal of authority have remained the same.
Covenantal Changes
There have also been minor changes in the covenants made during the Endowment. For example, after the death of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young added "The Law of Retribution" to the Endowment. When the Saints began to gather to the Salt Lake Valley, a covenant to help all people gather was also introduced by revelation. These covenants were given by revelation with regard to very specific historical situations and were later removed by revelation when the historical situation that caused them to be added changed. This illustrates the flexibility inherent in the ordinances. It is the central covenants and core message that can never change, while many peripheral symbols and covenants are subject to change when inspired by revelation to the Lord's prophet.
Recent Changes
Changes to the Temple endowment within the last 20 years have involved the removal of the penalties, the translation of certain parts of the ordinances back into English, minor changes in the dramatization, and minor changes in the manner of administration of the initiatories. In early 2019, more adjustments were made to the endowment and initiatory ordinances. the First Presidency released a statement that said, in part, temple ceremonies “have been adjusted periodically, including language, methods of construction, communication, and record-keeping. Prophets have taught that there will be no end to such adjustments as directed by the Lord to his servants.”[1] The changes also shortened the endowment presentation. None of these changes have affected the central message, covenants, or authority presented in the temple.
Adjustments were made to the sacred ceremonial clothing. In a statement released in January 2020, the First Presidency said that adjustments to the clothing were made to make them "more simple, comfortable, and cost-effective, as well as to enhance the temple experience for patrons. This change does not alter the sacred nature of covenants made in the temple. Ceremonial clothing previously used may still be worn for temple worship."[2]
The First Presidency released the following statement on July 20, 2020, four months after temples were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- The sacred teachings, promises, and ceremonies of the temple are of ancient origin, and point God’s children to Him as they make further covenants and learn more about His plan, including the role of the Savior Jesus Christ.
- Through inspiration, the methods of instruction in the temple experience have changed many times, even in recent history, to help members better understand and live what they learn in the temple.
- Part of the temple experience includes the making of sacred covenants, or promises, to God. Most people are familiar with symbolic actions that accompany the making of religious covenants (such as prayer, immersion of an individual at baptism, or holding hands during a marriage ceremony). Similar simple, symbolic actions accompany the making of temple covenants.
- With a concern for all and a desire to enhance the temple learning experience, recent changes have been authorized to the temple endowment ceremony. Given the sacredness of the temple ceremonies, we ask our members and friends not to engage in speculation or public discussions about these changes. Rather, we invite Church members to continue to look forward to the day when they may return and fully participate in sacred temple work prayerfully and gratefully.[3]
