TEMPLES AND FAMILY HISTORY

For millions of people who lived before the restoration of Christ’s Church, the temple ordinances could not be performed in their life-time. Even today, millions of people live and die without ever having heard the name Jesus Christ or being able to accept his gospel. Something has to be done for those people who have died without having this opportunity.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that all the saving ordinances can be performed vicariously for the dead. Latter-day Saints function as proxies for their ancestors in these ceremonies, including baptism as well as sealing of spouses and children to their parents. The ordinances are only valid if individuals willingly accept them before their resurrection. The performance of temple ordinances is of great importance in the Church. The members of the Church learn that it is their duty to seek out their ancestors and perform the temple ordinances for them.

In order to help members with their family history research, the Church has microfilmed important records from all over the world, which contain data about billions of deceased persons. The Church makes these records available in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and in over 3,000 Family History Centers. The Church has also developed extensive databases with genealogical information.

You can find further information about these sources on the Internet at www.FamilySearch.org.