Who can attend the temple?
Those who attend the temple must be baptized and confirmed members of the Mormon Church. In order to enter the Mormon temple, the person must obtain a temple recommend from their bishop. In order to receive a recommend, they must pass an interview conducted by a Mormon bishop. During the interview, the bishop will ask you if you believe in God and Jesus Christ. He will ask you if you are living all of God’s laws including the word of wisdom, chastity and tithing. If you can prove worthiness, you can receive a temple recommend which allows you to enter into the temple. If there are any unresolved issues, the bishop will help you repent and work past this before entering into the house of the Lord. The recommend itself is a small slip of paper, laminated, with all of the temple attendee’s information on it. No one is allowed in the temple without their recommend. The temple recommend is renewed every two years as long as the recommend holder keeps themselves worthy.
Most Mormons attend the temple for the first time before they are married or before they serve a mission for the church. However, you don’t have to be getting married to serving a mission to obtain a recommend and attend the temple for the first time. Only those with a temple recommend are allowed in the temple. All temple attendees are adults, however children are allowed in the temple when doing family sealings with their parents. Youth can enter in the temple with a limited-use recommend to perform baptisms for the dead. Any Mormon with a recommend, despite social class or church office, can attend the temple. Spouses are encouraged to attend the temple together. The temple is a great place for Mormons to go when they are looking for a place of solitude and spirituality. During times of uncertainty, many members use the temple as a place to feel comfort and strength. The temple is a perfect place on earth. For those looking for peace and a place to feel the spirit of God, the temple is the perfect place.
There is a visitors’ center located on the temple grounds where anyone can visit and learn more about the temple and Mormonism. The only time that those without a recommend are allowed within the temple is when the temple is being dedicated. The few months before the temple is dedicated, non-members are allowed to tour the temple. Otherwise, the Mormon temple is closed to those not of the Mormon faith. This is to ensure the sacredness of the temple remains intact.