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(RNS) — A few months ago, I had the opportunity to take a special tour of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ new Visitors’ Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. It felt great to be back on Temple Square for the first time in years. The area has been mostly closed while the church has undertaken extensive renovations to the Salt Lake Temple, which is scheduled to reopen in 2027.

Before it reopens for church members to perform sacred ordinances, the temple will open to the public. It’s standard procedure in Mormonism to let non-members tour new temples for a few weeks before they’re dedicated because afterward, they aren’t permitted inside. But the newly renovated Salt Lake Temple is going to be open for six full months of public tours, from April to October 2027. ( Make your reservations now .…