Atlanta LDS Temple Enters Phase 2

Written by Susan Swann

The Atlanta LDS temple in Sandy Springs has now resumed limited operations for worthy members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Since May 2020, temples of The Church of Jesus Christ have been reopening in a cautious, careful way, in five phases and based on local circumstances and governmental restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anyone, regardless of religion, is always welcome to come to an LDS chapel to attend Sunday services. Only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who follow the basic principles of the LDS faith may enter the temple.

Temples are places where worthy Church members make formal promises and commitments to God. They are also the place where the highest sacraments of the faith occur — the marriage of couples and the “sealing” of families for eternity.

Temples are the only place where ceremonies such as baptism and eternal marriage can be performed in behalf of those who have died — a practice that LDS members believe was followed in New Testament times but was later lost.

Matthew Pennington, Stake President of the Coal Mountain Georgia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, "LDS temples are also houses of God, places of holiness and peace. They are separate from the distractions of everyday life, and I look forward to going back.”