First Presidency Letter, Oct 2002

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Office of the First Presidency
47 East South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-1000

October 26, 2002

To: Priesthood leaders

Dear Brethren:

   As of November 1, 2002, regular temple recommends will be valid for two years from the last day of the month in which they are issued. Recommends issued from November 1, 2001, through October 2002 will remain valid for two years from the date written on the recommend. This change does not affect Limited-use Recommends, which will continue to be issued and expire according to existing policy.
   As current policy outlines, if a bishop or branch president determines that a member of his ward or branch who has a valid recommend is unworthy, he should immediately request that the member return the recommend (see Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 1: Stake Presidencies and Bishoprics, 68).
   Church leaders may continue to use their current supply of temple recommend books. When new temple recommend books are ordered, they will reflect the change from one year to two years.
   Priesthood leaders should prayerfully consider ways to help all members prepare for and be worthy of receiving the blessings of the temple.

   (signed)Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust
   The First Presidency