FILE - In this April 19, 2019 file photo The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson speaks during a news conference at the Temple Square South Visitors Center in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
SALT LAKE CITY — The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says members may now return to weekly meetings, so long as local conditions allow, with approval from Area Presidencies.
In a letter to members, church leaders said weekly worship services could begin immediately, if Area Presidencies sign off, based on local conditions.
Stake conferences can resume in November, “when assigned by the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and as circumstances and technology allow.”
According to a Church Newsroom release, local leaders will have discretion over whether weekly sacrament meetings or state conferences are held in-person or virtually. For the most part, many Latter-day Saints in Utah had resumed weekly meetings with some COVID-19-specific precautions in place, but not all wards have been meeting weekly.
“We are grateful for inspired patterns of ministering and home-centered, Church-supported efforts that allow the Lord’s work to move forward in current conditions,” the First Presidency said in the letter.
The letter offered four guiding principles for local church leaders during the pandemic. They advised local leaders to “Remember members by name and nourish them spiritually and temporally,” “Strengthen members and help them bear their burdens,” “Uplift one another and create unity through activities,” and “Gather members often to fast, to pray and to speak concerning the welfare of their souls.”
Under those guidelines, church leaders said in addition to sacrament meetings, youth meetings, activities and service projects can move forward “as local circumstances allow.”
The letter, signed by President Russell M. Nelson, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, is available online here.