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- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has authorized some redesigned garments for women in hot, humid climates, offering sleeveless tops, skirt bottoms, and one-piece shifts.
- A church spokesman emphasized the importance of these garments, which are worn by members who have made covenants in temple ceremonies, describing them as a cherished privilege.
SALT LAKE CITY — Redesigned options for the sacred garment worn by women in hot and muggy climates have been authorized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to a spokesman.
Sleeveless tops, skirt bottoms and one-piece shifts are available in some parts of the world like Africa and the Philippines, according to the church's online store.
"Devout Latter-day Saints cherish the privilege of wearing the temple garment," church spokesman Doug Andersen said in a statement provided Thursday to the Deseret News. "Some of those members live in hot and humid areas. The First Presidency has authorized changes in the garment to bless those members and others who might benefit from the changes. Beyond this, the church does not comment on temple matters considered to be sacred."
The open-sleeve top, skirt bottom and the one-piece shift that is similar to a slip will be useful in areas where humidity and heat create discomfort with heavier clothing and where women generally wear dresses.
Garments are worn by Latter-day Saint women and men who have made covenants with God in holy temples in a ceremony called the endowment.
Temple covenants are a central tenet of Latter-day Saint faith. They bind members and their families together and to God for eternity. President Russell M. Nelson has led the church on the most intensive temple-building era in its history over the past six years in an effort to help members make those covenants and keep them.
"The temple is the gateway to the greatest blessings God has in store for each of us," President Nelson taught during the church's April general conference.
He said the priesthood authority for temple covenants distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from others and "make it possible for every covenant-keeping man and woman to enjoy incredible personal spiritual privileges."
Members covenant to wear the garment as a physical reminder of their commitments and of God's promises to them.
"The garment of the holy priesthood is a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ and is a reminder of our covenant relationship with him and Heavenly Father," the First Presidency wrote in a letter to general and local church leaders in April.
