Basic beliefs and principles
6 min read
Ask
I've noticed that you've recently been answering questions on various topics related to The Church of Jesus Christ, and I'd like to know: When an endowed Latter-day Saint dies, should he be buried in temple clothing?
Answer
What you're asking is a very interesting topic and, fortunately, we have information about it.
In section 38 of the General Manual of The Church of Jesus Christ we find specifications regarding temple clothing for burying the deceased.
I will break down the information below:
When should you wear temple clothing?
If the person received the investiture during their lifetime:
“ If possible, endowed members who pass away should be buried or cremated in their temple clothing. If local traditions or burial customs make this inappropriate or difficult, the clothing may be folded and placed next to the body.”
Only members who have received the endowment during their lifetime may be buried in temple clothing.”
If the person stopped using the garment:
“An endowed person who ceases to use the garment before dying may also be buried or cremated in temple clothing if the family requests it .”
A person who has died by suicide:
“A person who was invested in life and who has died by suicide may be buried or cremated in temple clothing.”
When should you not wear temple clothing?
If his membership was withdrawn and his blessings were not restored:
“A person whose blessings have not been restored after he or she has been removed from membership or has resigned from it may not be buried or cremated in temple clothing.”
Temple clothing does not need to be new
Temple clothing does not need to be new, but it does need to be in good condition:
“Temple clothing used for burial or cremation does not need to be new, but it should be clean and in good condition. The member’s own temple clothing may be used.”
Who should dress the deceased vested person?
When an invested person dies, the person who replaces them must have received the investiture and be of the same sex or their spouse:
“ A same-sex relative or spouse who has received the endowment may dress a member who is to be buried or cremated in temple clothing.
If a relative is not available , or if the relative prefers not to clothe the body of an endowed male, the bishop could ask the elders quorum president to invite an endowed brother to clothe the body or to supervise that the clothing is properly put on.
If a relative is not available, or if the relative prefers not to clothe the body of an endowed woman, the bishop could ask the Relief Society president to invite an endowed sister to clothe the body or to supervise that the clothing is properly put on.
The leaders make sure not to give this assignment to someone they consider objectionable.”
The clothing that should be dressed for a deceased invested man
“A man’s body is dressed in temple garb and the following white clothing : long-sleeved shirt, tie or bow tie, trousers, socks and shoes or slippers.”
The clothing that should be dressed for a deceased woman in a religious ceremony
“A woman’s body is dressed in temple garment and the following white clothing : a long-sleeved or three-quarter-sleeved dress (or a skirt and a long-sleeved or three-quarter-sleeved blouse), socks or stockings, and shoes or slippers.”
The ceremonial clothing of the temple
Invested members who pass away must be buried in the temple's ceremonial garments and clothing:
“The ceremonial temple clothing is placed on the body as indicated in the endowment.
The cloak is placed over the right shoulder and tied with the cord to the left of the waist.The apron is tied around the waist. The sash is placed around the waist and tied with a bow over the left hip.
The man's cap is usually placed at the side of the body until it is time to close the coffin or container. Then, it is placed with the ribbon over the left ear
.The woman's veil can be placed on the pillow, at the back of her head. Covering a woman's face with the veil before burial or cremation is a decision made by the family.
Verify that the body has been dressed appropriately
An invested person must verify that the temple garments have been correctly placed on the deceased:
“In some places, only a funeral director or a licensed employee is allowed to prepare the bodies.
In such cases, a family member who has received the endowment or an endowed person invited by the bishop or the Relief Society president makes sure that the body is dressed
Biodegradable temple clothing
In some countries, it is requested that the deceased be buried in biodegradable clothing:
“In some countries, it is required that deceased persons be dressed in biodegradable clothing for burial. Biodegradable temple clothing can be purchased at store.ChurchofJesusChrist.org .”
… If temple clothing is not available to dress the deceased endowed member, the garment and other appropriate clothing should be provided .”
I hope this information has helped you. Source: The Church of Jesus Christ