How Did a Church Led by a Scientist React to the Pandemic?

            When the coronavirus began to spread across our nation, national, state, and local governments began to issue shelter-in-place and stay-at home orders. Alaska’s order was to hunker down. 


            The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acted in early March before most of the orders were given. Leaders suspended all in-person meetings worldwide in early March, and members began holding Sunday meetings in their homes. Bishops in many, if not all, wards authorized Melchizedek Priesthood holders who are endowed and hold current temple recommends to administer the sacrament to family members. Bishops also authorized priesthood holders to take the sacrament to members who did not have the priesthood holders in the home.


            Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ closed all temples and brought foreign missionaries to their home country. Attendance at the annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ was suspended, and members “attended” by way of technology. The music was provided by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and was either recorded for this conference or adapted from previous General Conferences. The only people in attendance were the First Presidency and those people who offered prayers or spoke at that session of conference. All in attendance maintained social distancing of at least six feet.


            What was the reason for such early and wide action? President Russell M. Nelson said that he wanted members of the Church of Jesus Christ to be good global citizens and do our part to stop the coronavirus. One of the tenets of our faith states, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, and in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (Articles of Faith 1:12). However, I believe the Prophet’s scientific background as a heart surgeon spurred him to take early action. He and other retired doctors among the leading authorities know from training and experience how epidemics can become pandemics.


            The Church of Jesus Christ was not the only church to take early action. The Pope presented his Palm Sunday message to an empty courtyard and rescinded the requirement to attend mass. Other churches switched to teaching their congregations by way of technology. 


            The suspended meetings affect how members of the churches commemorate Passover and Easter, two highly important spiritual events. I received an email from my bishop yesterday with information about how I can join a special Easter sacrament meeting via video broadcast on Easter Sunday. The meeting will be complete with music, prayers, and speakers. There will be prelude music for half an hour prior to the meeting.


            I am grateful to belong to a church that is led by a living Prophet of God. I sustain him as a prophet, seer, and revelator who communicates with God. I appreciate his knowledge and willingness to take big steps. I also appreciate modern technology that helps me to maintain my spiritual growth even though I am hunkered down in my home.