Mormon Endowment Ceremony

- Endowment is a sacred ceremony that takes place in a Mormon ChurchHuffington Post: HBO Vs. The Mormons In Battle Over Temple Ceremony (March 11, 2009)
- Based on the word "endow," meaning "to clothe" or "to instill qualities in" from the New Testament of the BibleLDS Temples: Mormon Temple Endowment
- The Endowment consists of sacred rituals and covenantsLDS Temples: Mormon Temple Endowment
- The ceremony includes ceremonial washing, anointing and dressing in special temple garmentsLDS Temples: Mormon Temple Endowment
- Symbols sacred to Mormons are used in the ceremonyLDS Temples: Mormon Temple Endowment

A Mormon Endowment ceremony is a sacred ritual within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Endowment ceremony is a rite of adult initiation in which a Mormon's personal worth will be determined.Endowment: Endowment: About Although the sacred ritual's exact details are not fully known to outsiders, the ritual consists of wearing special temple garb and includes sacred symbolism. The ritual includes a dramatized re-enactment of the scriptural story of creation.Endowment: Endowment: About The Watchman Expositor: Is the Mormon Temple Ceremony Secret or Sacred? LDS Temples: Mormon Temple Endowment
HBO drew criticism for dramatizing the ceremony in an episode of Big Love. The episode will air on Sunday, March 15, 2009.Huffington Post: HBO Vs. The Mormons In Battle Over Temple Ceremony (March 11, 2009)
HBO and Big Love Controversy

On March 9, 2009, officials within the Mormon church said HBO was insensitive toward the church's sacred rituals and expressed fears that it could cause a "long-term negative effect on the church." Two days later, HBO defended its depiction of the ceremony and in a statement said they "took great pains to depict the ceremony with the dignity and reverence it is due." HBO said it was not their intention to disrespect the church.Huffington Post: HBO Vs. The Mormons In Battle Over Temple Ceremony (March 11, 2009)