The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following letter May 19, 2020, to Latter-day Saints everywhere.

On March 12, 2020, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced that all public gatherings of Church members were temporarily suspended worldwide due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With this letter, we now authorize some meetings and activities to be resumed on a limited basis using a careful, phased approach. Area Presidencies will work with the member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Presidency of the Seventy who supervise them in deciding when and where meetings can begin in their area. Using caution and adhering to local regulations, they will inform stake and ward leaders when to function using phase 1 or phase 2 guidelines and when to return to standard practices.

The enclosure with this letter provides principles and details to guide this process, which may be adjusted by Area Presidencies as conditions require. Within guidelines provided by the Area Presidency and in counsel with his bishops, each stake president will determine the specific timing for resuming ward and stake meetings and activities.

We are grateful for the faith of our members as they have worshipped at home and are grateful for the blessings that will come as we gather for worship and activities.

Sincerely yours,

The First Presidency