My Mormon Grandparents Received the Second Anointing - Derren Klein | Ep. 1911

Introduction, The Second Anointing in Modern Mormonism

Imagine uncovering a secret ceremony, a ritual so cloaked in mystery that even lifelong members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remain largely unaware of its existence. This is the reality of the Second Anointing, a little-known but highly significant ordinance in Mormonism, as explored in a recent episode of the Mormon Stories Podcast with Derren Klein. The secrecy surrounding this ritual raises complex questions about transparency, elitism, and spiritual hierarchies within modern Mormonism.

Background, A Historical Ceremony Shrouded in Secrecy

The Second Anointing originated in the early 1840s under the leadership of Joseph Smith. This ritual is believed to guarantee exaltation to its recipients, marking a theological milestone that believers regard as a seal of salvation. Over time, the ceremony became a two-part ritual, initially performed in more public settings but later moved into the quiet sanctity of temples. Historically, it was a rite given to many but later became reserved for only a select few. While the Church's official literature rarely mentions it, the ceremony is believed to have continued discreetly, monitored by Church leadership.

Key Claims / Evidence, What We Know About the Second Anointing

The podcast episode "My Mormon Grandparents Received the Second Anointing" adds a tangible layer to this hidden rite by sharing a first-hand account from Derren Klein. While sorting through his late grandparents' belongings, Klein discovered a letter of invitation to the Second Anointing from then-Church President Spencer W. Kimball. This find provides rare documentary evidence of the ritual’s occurrence in the 20th century and sparks important debates about its current status. According to the letter, participants are instructed not to discuss the ceremony except with other recipients, emphasizing the level of confidentiality that surrounds it.