Church Changes Burial Guidelines for Deceased, Endowed Women (2024)

FAQs

Church Changes Burial Guidelines for Deceased, Endowed Women? ›

The letter stated: Veiling an endowed woman's face prior to burial is optional. This may be done if the sister expressed such a desire while she was living. In cases where the wishes of the deceased sister on this matter are not known, her family should be consulted.

All endowed Church members who have not been excommunicated at the time of their death should be buried in their temple clothing when they die, according to "Instructions for Clothing the Dead Who Have Received Their Endowments." However, there are exceptions for when "cultural traditions or burial practices make this ...

Historically, the church discouraged surgical sterilization, like vasectomies and tubal ligation, and encouraged members to only use these options for serious medical conditions after discussing it with a bishop.

Women are typically buried in white long-sleeved dresses, stockings, and shoes, while men are buried wearing white suits, ties, and shoes. However, if the deceased wasn't endowed, for example, if they were a child or recently converted to Mormonism, they wouldn't wear the traditional white garments for burial.

The LDS cremation policy was clarified in a 1991 issue of the LDS church's Ensign Magazine, "Where there is no overriding reason to cremate, traditional burial is still the preferred method of handling our dead.

In some cases, the graveside service is the only service held for the deceased. At the gravesite, a small service is rendered as a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, who has the authority to act in the name of God, offers a “Dedication” of the grave. The dedication typically follows this model: Addresses Heavenly Father.

I hear a lot of weird misconceptions among LDS women and wearing their garments. Some of these include you can only wear white bras and you can only wear your garments against your skin and bra over. Well, I'm here to tell you both of those are ABSOLUTELY FALSE.

LDS Church teachings

In the church's General Handbook, leaders are instructed to tell members they should wear garments throughout their lives, and that they should not alter them. In the temple recommend interview, members are asked if they wear the garment as instructed in the temple.

Both men and women may also wear a green apron, which is a symbol of man's fall from grace. A white ceremonial veil may be placed over a woman's face right before her casket is closed or she is placed in her cremation container. Often family or church members dress the deceased in these sacred clothes.

Both men and women wear a green apron embroidered with a fig leaf pattern, to represent Adam and Eve. The white symbolizes purity and equality.

Who pays for a Mormon funeral? ›

Like most people…the deceadant should have life insurance or pre-purchased a plot and pays for funeral arrangements (casket, cremation, body preparation, travel to cemetary). The local congregation provides use of the chapel and cultural hall for a reception for free. The family would pay for any food served.

“To dispose of worn-out temple ceremonial clothing, members should destroy the clothing by cutting it up so the original use cannot be recognized” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [2020], 27.3. 8, ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

"The Church discourages artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization using sperm from anyone but the husband or an egg from anyone but the wife.

This is why they might dismiss cremation, in the fear that they will have no body for the resurrection. Of course, few Baptists would argue that God couldn't recreate a person's body from their ashes, but in hope of the physical resurrection of the body, they might still favor burial over cremation.

In short, most people wear conservative, nicer clothing to a funeral. It's NOT necessary to wear all black, but if you feel more comfortable doing so it would certainly be fine. Men usually wear a white shirt and tie. If the men own a suit, then they'll usually wear that with their white shirt and tie.

Mormons who have been through the temple are buried in their temple clothing. While unendowed family members may be present, an endowed member must be there to be certain clothing is correctly arranged.

So, graveside services are different from funerals. As we discussed already, a funeral often takes place in a church or other venue. Many different people can attend: friends, family members, and coworkers of the deceased. Graveside services are typically held after the interment has taken place.

The three main guidelines for a temple dress are: modest, simple, and white. Modesty is not just about how much skin is showing—it's more about how we carry ourselves and how we feel in what we wear.

While the ceremonial clothes are used solely in temple ordinances, the temple garment is meant to be worn daily.

Casual and Exercise

Casual clothing should always be appropriate for the situation, fit well, and be comfortable. For example, avoid clothing that is too tight or distracting or that has holes, words, pictures, or logos not consistent with your calling as a missionary.

Are LDS garments optional? ›

Garments are optional for use outside of the Temple. Endowed members may continue to wear the Garment daily if they desire. Garments are required for use while performing the ordnances of the Temple.