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SALT LAKE CITY — For many around the world, the image of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been represented by young men walking the streets in white shirts and ties along with the familiar name tag.
In some places, that image might be changing.
Get prepared for male missionaries wearing blue shirts and sporting no tie at all.
On Friday, the church announced in a news release that Area Presidencies will have the ability to adjust missionary attire in specific locations to improve and continue “missionary dignity, safety, effectiveness, approachability and cultural sensitivity.”
Under the updated guidelines, young men may be able to wear a plain blue dress shirt with or go without a tie. Traditional attire for male missionaries has included a white shirt, tie and, in some areas, a suit coat.
Missionaries will be notified by their mission president if the exception applies to their mission.
“Missionary attire has regularly adapted over time according to location, style and custom,” said Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and chairman of the Missionary Executive Council.
That was seen in December of 2018 when the church changed the guidelines for female missionaries, giving them the option to wear dress slacks. That change began in 2016 when dress slacks were permitted to help protect them from mosquito-borne viral diseases in certain missions.
“In all our considerations, we keep top of mind the missionary’s calling to represent Jesus Christ, their health and safety, and the cultural sensitivities of the places where they serve,” Elder Uchtdorf said.
Even in missions where the new attire is approved, all elders will continue to wear a white shirt and tie and, in some areas, a suit coat when attending the temple, Sunday worship services, leadership and zone conferences, missionary training centers, baptismal services and other church meetings, the church said.
“Missionary attire will always be dignified, respectful and approachable as missionaries fulfill their purpose of teaching people about the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Elder Uchtdorf.
