The Oakland California Temple is one of the 124 temples worldwide of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the "LDS" or "Mormon" church). Unlike typical LDS church buildings, temples are not used for regular Sunday worship. They are reserved for other ceremonies in which the participants covenant to consecrate their lives to God. Although temples are closed to the public, the Oakland Temple is unique in that visitors may enter the courtyard and climb a staircase to the roof of the temple, which affords a spectacular view of the Bay Area. The nearby Visitor's Center features displays and video presentations on the temple, the Church, Jesus Christ, and families. |