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Welcoming media – traditional and social – to the Washington D.C. Temple

KENSINGTON, Maryland — Thousands have shared the story of the Washington D.C. Temple open house of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this week through social media — collectively inviting millions to #ComeandSee the #DCTemple.

“It is amazing what can happen when a medium elevates instead of divides,” said Aaron Sherinian, director of press and digital media for the open house committee. “It is a reminder that, at its best, social media was designed to connect people and things that matter.”

Christina Scotch, director of social media for the temple open house committee, said the social media response to the VIP open house is representative of the anticipation many have for the temple to open. “We are really excited it is here,” she said. “Generally, people love the temple.”

Excitement grew when, on Easter Sunday, CBS television shared an exclusive report with Elder David A. Bednar and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The two senior Church leaders, joined by their wives, Sister Susan Bednar and Sister Kathy Christofferson, talked about the sacredness of temples and invited all to the upcoming public open house. CBS shared the segment on its social media channels; it was viewed more than a half-million times after only a few days on Facebook.

Thousands of individuals left comments and questions after watching the virtual tour. Some shared their own temple experiences. Others asked how they could attend.

A half-century after the temple was originally dedicated, news of the open house spread not only through official Church channels, but also on social media. On media day, one of three open house sessions was dedicated to social media influencers — including Latter-day Saints, community members and those of other faiths.

Below are some of their perspectives they shared on their social media channels.

Read more coverage of the Washington D.C. Temple

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