The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known for being based in Utah and maintaining a large Mormon base, has just revised its handbook regarding transgender policies, garment wearing for people with medical restrictions, and temple sealing language.
The General Handbook is provided to the leaders of the church throughout the world and has two yearly updates.
Handbook Revisions
The handbook for the church is updated twice a year to account for new revelations or changes to society or the church at large.
The latest revision updates specific policies regarding the age ranges for single adult congregations and guidelines for holiday worship services.
The Current Transgender Policy
The current stance that the church has on biological sex is known as “an essential characteristic in Heavenly Father’s plan.” This view has not changed in the recent update.
The handbook notes that anyone wishing to receive ordinances in the church, such as baptism or marriage in the temple, cannot surgically or socially transition from their biological sex.
The Revision
The revision noted in the handbook had added some clarifications related to those who wish to pursue baptism in adulthood.
“Worthy individuals who do not pursue surgical, medical, or social transition away from their biological sex at birth may enjoy all the privileges of Church membership,” the handbook reads. Basically, any adult wishing to receive baptism in the church has to receive themselves according to their biological sex.
The Church Now Welcomes De-Transitioners
The recent update has accounted for the fact that the church often works in tandem with programs that help people choose to be straight or to de-transition after transitioning to the other gender.
With the changes that the world is currently experiencing with a sharp rise in transgender individuals, the church has noted that they will welcome de-transitioners with open arms to engage in all activities in the church. “These individuals often face complex challenges. They and their family and friends should be treated with sensitivity, kindness, compassion, and Christlike love,” the handbook reads.
Temple Sealing Policies
Along with the new rules regarding transgender people, several changes were made to the rules around sealings. Sealgins are an ordinance preformed in LDS temples between family members or a man and a woman who wish to enter marriage.
The new policies clarify that sealing a living person to a deceased person – including two people who cohabitate– and who is authorized to seal living children to their parents. The language adds that, “God will not require anyone to remain in a sealed relationship throughout eternity against his or her will.”
Garment-Wearing
The previous rules for wearing garments as imposed by the LDS church are that of modesty.
In specific, there are special temple garments that are worn underneath normal clothing. These special underwear act as a physical reminder of what covenants of the Latter-day Saints have made in the temple. They also force people to wear clothing that covers all of the garment, thereby protecting their modesty.
Undergarment Updates
Church authorities have just added a new section to the handbook on properly caring for the garment.
This piece of clothing is something that a member of the church wore after making promises to God.
Notable Additions
The most notable change shows the ability to special order garments for those with specific medical conditions or devices that “make it difficult for members to wear one or both parts of the garment.”
This new language shows a positive move for a church to be more inclusive to those who want to follow the teachings but have medical conditions that can prevent typical garment wearing.
Sometimes Members Can Skip the Undergarment
The handbook now also notes that in certain cases, it may be superior to skip wearing the undergarment altogether.
In cases such as these, members may reach out to a clothing consultant or speak to a church leader to gain more clarity on the matter.
The Lord Focuses on Intentions
“When a member cannot wear the garment because of a medical condition or device, his or her religious status is not affected. The Lord focuses on the heart and a willing mind,” the handbook reads.
This positive move by church leaders shows that members of the LDS can show their commitment to God and to the church in several different ways.
Is the LDS Becoming More Modern?
Mormonism is still growing, just slowly. Unlike older religions in the United States, like Catholicism, who are frequently loses membership and closed cathedrals and churches, the LDS church is opening new locations throughout California this year.
The expansion shows that the LDS may be more intriguing for younger people who still want to remain modern, but follow the teachings of the church.
