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Latter-day Saint temples
are not places of regular worship. They are
erected for specific, Christ-centred ordinances
designed to unite family members in an eternal
unit. Nowhere is the Latter-day Saint emphasis on
the importance of the family better exemplified
than in the temple.
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The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints recognizes the validity of
civil marriages and regards them as legally and
morally binding contracts. However, the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that
such marriages end at death, having no validity
beyond the grave. It is possible for the marriage
and family to continue beyond the grave only when
couples have their marriages and families sealed
for eternity. Such special marriages must be
performed in a sacred temple, by the authority of
the holy priesthood.
Latter-day Saints believe deeply in the eternal
nature of the family and view temples with special
reverence and respect. They also believe that for
sealing ordinances to be valid, husbands and wives
must show total fidelity to each other throughout
their marriage, as well as lead lives of service
and commitment.
Latter-day Saints also believe that these special
marriage ceremonies and other religious services can be
performed on behalf of departed ancestors by living
descendants. Commonly, Latter-day Saints stand as
proxies for their own ancestors in these ceremonies,
uniting husbands and wives, parents and children, in an
eternal union.
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The Hamilton New Zealand Temple
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