The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints Church Foyers To Reflect Increased Emphasis On Jesus Christ
Friday, May 15, 2020
The First Presidency, or top leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, consisting of President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors, President Dalllin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, sent a letter this week to Church leaders throughout the world, including in the greater Chattanooga area, emphasizing that foyers and entryways of Church meetinghouses should reflect an increased reverence for Jesus Christ.
"Jesus Christ is central to all that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world, the true and living Son of the true and living God. Upon entrance into a meetinghouse, artwork and furnishings should add to the atmosphere of peace and worship,” officials said. "Meetinghouses of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are used to partake of the ordinance of the sacrament as instituted by Jesus Christ.
The sacrament as stated by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is 'an increasingly sacred acknowledgment of Christ’s majestic atoning gift to all humankind.'
"Every Sunday, by partaking of the sacrament, we renew our promises to the Lord and are reminded that the Savior bled at every pore and died for us. Consequently, sacred spaces – such as meetinghouses – should reflect our allegiance and gratitude to Christ. This includes foyer artwork, which can help create reverence for Church services and ordinances.
"Church leaders in the greater Chattanooga area are assessing entryways and foyers in meetinghouses within their jurisdiction and making necessary adjustments to display an approved selection of Foyer Artwork that depicts the Savior and His glorious mission to proclaim glad tidings of great joy to all people."
Worship services at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. But when services resume, visitors are welcome, officials said.