They are different from the thousands of chapels and meetinghouses used by the Church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that family relationships can be eternal. Marriages performed in one of the Church's temples can be valid forever. For the bonds of a temple sealing to remain in effect, a husband and wife must love and be faithful to each other throughout their marriage and continue to follow a course of Christian service and commitment throughout their lives. In holy temples members also perform ordinances such as baptism for deceased persons who did not have the opportunity to accept Christ's teachings and be baptized during their lifetime.
Members act as proxy for the dead.
In this way, the dead who did not have the chance to accept the gospel in their own lifetimes can accept it in the spirit world and be united together as eternal family units. TOP Morality Faithful members observe the scripturally prescribed principles of honesty, integrity, obedience to law, chastity before marriage and fidelity within marriage. The Church opposes abuse, abortion, pornography, gambling and legal recognition of same-sex unions. They fast for two meals at least once a month and donate the money saved by fasting to the needy. These offerings enable the Church to finance worldwide humanitarian projects, the construction of Church facilities, education, welfare, missionary, curriculum, humanitarian and other programs that benefit members and nonmembers alike.