ordinance (Latter Day Saints)

In the Latter Day Saint movement, there are numerous ordinances are sacred rites and ceremonies that have spiritual meanings. Ordinances can also mean God’s laws and statutes, may be viewed as a physical act signifying a spiritual commitment, or a covenant. Latter Day Saints believe that certain ordinances involve the formation of a covenant with God and failure to honor that covenant means the ordinance has no effect. However, sincere repentance can restore the blessings associated with the ordinance. Ordinances are performed by the authority of the priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ. The term has a meaning roughly similar to that of the term "sacrament" used by Community of Christ-derived denominations and "sacrament" used by other Christian denominations.