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Summary
- Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints counsel members not to get tattoos, because they teach that the body is a temple and a gift from God (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
- In October 2000 President Gordon B. Hinckley said the First Presidency and the Twelve “discourage tattoos,” and he called a tattoo “graffiti on the temple of the body.”
- The 2011 youth guide said “Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos,” but the 2022 and 2025 editions set out a principle and ask young people to decide by it.
- Converts who already have tattoos are baptized and take full part in the church, and the temple recommend questions published in 2019 do not mention tattoos.
- Missionary applicants with tattoos are reviewed case by case, the church’s New Era magazine explained in 2006, and some cannot serve.
Bibliography (Click to show)
- “Can Mormons have tattoos?” FAQ, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://faq.churchofjesuschrist.org/can-mormons-have-tattoos
- “Tattooing and Body Piercing,” Topics and Questions (2026), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/tattooing?lang=eng
- “Your Body Is Sacred,” For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth/10-your-body-is-sacred?lang=eng
- For the Strength of Youth (2011), “Dress and Appearance.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- “What’s new in the For the Strength of Youth booklet,” LDS Living (comparison of the 2011 and 2022 editions). https://www.ldsliving.com/whats-new-in-the-for-the-strength-of-youth-booklet/s/11043
- Gordon B. Hinckley, “Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children,” general conference, October 2000. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2000/10/great-shall-be-the-peace-of-thy-children?lang=eng
- Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Ensign, January 2001 (talk of November 12, 2000). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2001/01/a-prophets-counsel-and-prayer-for-youth?lang=eng
- “Church Updates Temple Recommend Interview Questions,” Newsroom, October 2019. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/october-2019-general-conference-temple-recommend
- “Tattoos and Your Mission,” New Era, March 2006. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2006/03/tattoos-and-your-mission?lang=eng
- “Why There Are Tattoos and Strapless Costumes at the Polynesian Cultural Center,” LDS Living, February 2019. https://www.ldsliving.com/why-there-are-tattoos-and-strapless-costumes-at-the-polynesian-cultural-center/s/83359
- Bible quotations from the King James Version: Leviticus 19:28; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:19–20.
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