In ancient times those who attended the temple came in the same clothing they worked in the field in, walked in the dust in, herded sheep or slept in. They entered the temple with the filth of the world on their clothing and were then washed and cleansed as part of the temple rituals.

Those in golf shirts and khaki pants might be grown boys who were never taught the wear white shirts when they passed the sacrament…who knows? Or they might be average members who were at work (or at play)when they were impressed to serve at the temple-immediately. I cannot believe that the anxious spirit whose work gets done that day cares one lick about what their proxy wore prior to dressing in white.

In temples where ceremonial clothing is provided, clean, white, holy clothing is made available to ALL who enter-not just those who arrive wearing their Sunday best.

# 7, well said.

All this emphasis on “not distracting” makes me consider how our conception of the sacrament may be different from other churches’ communion services. With some (not all, but some), the vestments, the music, the dramatic posture of the celebrant, the lining up of communicants, all seems calculated to — well, not “distract,” but to focus attention on the ceremony itself, or the host, or the community. With us, while we’re expected to participate in the hymn and listen to the words of the prayers, the silence and the hoped-for unobtrusiveness of the deacons indicates that each member of the congregation (minus the poor mothers wrestling with kids) should be contemplating, worshiping, renewing covenants through silent prayer.

Maybe that’s reason enough for deacons to conform for conformity’s sake, because anything unexpected under those silent conditions can create an unwelcome, interfering focus.

Now back to your regularly scheduled serious commentary:

Elder Oaks stated the principle from which all the rest should follow:

The principle I suggest to govern those officiating in the sacrament—whether preparing, administering, or passing—is that they should not do anything that would distract any member from his or her worship and renewal of covenants.