A letter appeared in the Feb. 3 opinion section, 'Endorse for two years,' mocking how the Ecclesiastical Endorsement is still an annual thing, but a temple recommend is valid for two years. In response, I wish to point out the Ecclesiastical Endorsement is not a temple recommend.
There are many students who attend BYU who are not of the LDS faith, they must have this endorsement. It is an 'ecclesiastical endorsement' which means that it be signed by an ecclesiastical leader, not just a bishop of the LDS Church. A pastor or rabbi could easily sign the form for any of their congregation. The point is that once it is signed, the student is held to abide by the guidelines within the Honor Code. This is not about worthiness, it is about committing to live.
Furthermore, each time I attend the temple and show my recommend I cannot help but think of the interview questions and remind myself of the life I must maintain in order to remain worthy of the privilege of attending the temple. I don't have that kind of constant reminder at BYU. (Of course, recent articles and devotional addresses have brought it up more than usual.) I am grateful for the annual opportunity to go over the Honor Code and ask and clarify any questions.
Jared Lee
Waterville, ME