In a month that saw dramatic equalizing of women and men in Latter-day Saint temple rituals, the faith's top leaders have announced one more move: Pulling a veil over a faithful Mormon woman's face as her casket is closed is no longer required.
No similar tradition exists for men in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"Veiling the faces of deceased, 'endowed' [members who have been through a temple ceremony] women prior to burial is optional," church President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors, Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring, wrote in a Jan. 24 letter to Latter-day Saint leaders. "This may be done if the sister expressed such a desire while she was living. In cases where the wishes of the deceased sister on this matter are not known, her family should be consulted."
