lds church vaccine statement backlash

The First Presidency and Apostles Over Age 70 Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine, How the Church Is Reopening During COVID-19, Brazilian Saints Break Ground for Salvador Temple, Elder Soares Dedicates New Mesa Temple Visitors Center, When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. The Church counsels against extreme or excessive preparation for possible catastrophic events. (Also see this article from January 2021 about Church leaders receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.) Eppolito is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. At the time, the Church was also working to provide clean water, emergency response assistance, training for newborn resuscitation, vision care and wheelchairs. The Church has contributed money, facilities and manpower to aid the massive initiative. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By Laurie Goodstein. We were asked to tithe 10% to the church, but I disagreed with the church's views on gay marriage and refused. "And thats the only way you can take care of people these days is doing these simple things.. He also shared his feelings about the strengthened relationships that came about because of the coronavirus. Nearly a year and a half ago and immediately prior to the 2020 April general conference, President Russell M. Nelson invited Church members and others around the world to fast and pray for physical, spiritual and other healing in response to the spread of COVID-19. The message was the latest in a number of statements from church leaders throughout 2021 that they support immunization in the struggle against the virus. At least six people are . On March 31, the Church updated its handbook to include a section on vaccinations. At the same time, the statement cautions Catholics against complacency on abortion: While having ourselves and our families immunized against COVID-19 with the new vaccines is morally permissible and can be an act of self-love and of charity toward others, we must not allow the gravely immoral nature of abortion to be obscured. He posted a photo and caption to each social media platform, stating they had prayed often for the vaccine, a literal godsend.. Some people believe as long as they remain anonymous, they can get away with more, she said. As it turns out, so are British consumers, with an added wrinkle. As the United States gear up for its largest ever immunisation campaign against COVID-19, the US Bishops have decided to further clarify the Church's position regarding vaccines that have some connection to cell lines originating from aborted foetuses, reminding that since the beginning of the pandemic it has advocated for . This work includes (1) living the gospel of Jesus Christ, (2) caring for those in need, (3) inviting all to receive the gospel, and (4) uniting families for eternity. Differences between the Authority of District Presidents and That of Stake Presidents, 5.6.1. Dallin H. Oaks She was saddened to see that because people needed to stay inside and away from others, they seemingly found more time and energy to be negative and lash out. And there is no way to know the religious affiliation of those who got their shots after the statement; for example, while Salt Lake Countys share of new doses declined slightly, it is entirely possible that the 28,000 doses administered since the statement were largely sought by the 47% of county residents who are Latter-day Saints. Vaccination rates ticked up in Utah after an Aug. 12, 2021, statement in which leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urged members to get their shots. Members of the faith widely known as the Mormon church remain deeply divided on vaccines and mask-wearing despite consistent guidance from church leaders as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus spreads. Leadership in a Single Adult Ward, 38.8.4. For this reason, we felt to search carefully for policies and misperceptions that might limit the Church service of single members. There are lessons we are learning now that will make us better people.. Last week, the conservative broadcaster Glenn Beck called on Christians to leave their churches if they hear preaching about social or economic justice, saying . A Red Cross nurse gives measles vaccination to an African child. Before members could move forward with worship in the Churchs temples, Elder David A. Bednar asked them to reflect on the covenants they had made there. This grant complements Latter-day Saint Charities' US$3 million . The LDS church has not commented on the Black's TV show, but it did release a lengthy statement about Krakauer's book in 2003. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson speaks during a news conference on June 14, 2021, in Salt Lake City. Regardless of the Churchs recent or long-term history of working through pandemics, maintaining a focus on the Savior and His Atonement remains paramount in order to feel peace amid turmoil. Such efforts are deserving of our full support.. Church Name, Wordmark, and Symbol, 38.8.28.4. "It is an insult to those 'unreasonable' beings out there who rely upon the 'murky sectors of the heart and head that prompt most of us to believe in Godand compel an impassioned few, predictably, to carry that irrational belief to its logical end'. Members reported a range of compliance at various wards nationwide. The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent the following message on Thursday, August 12, 2021, to Church members around the world: Dear Brothers and Sisters: We find ourselves fighting a war against the ravages of COVID-19 and its variants, an unrelenting pandemic. Dr. Rene Oliva, the Churchs area welfare manager in Central America, administers one of the first vaccinations during Guatemala measles campaign. To a large extent, there has been vocal support for getting vaccinated including from top leadership of conservative bodies such as the Southern Baptist Convention and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Cruz said at times, shes needed to step away from her computer or phone and take breaks from consuming or creating media. Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS church, taught that God has a body and that people's own bodies are sacred gifts to help them reach eternity.. But Latter-day Saints make up only about 40% of San Juan Countys population, and the county is 40% vaccinated about the same as Utah County, which is 85% Mormon. First, there's the main finding. The Church also announced in April that it would support the global organization UNICEF through Latter-day Saint Charities, the humanitarian aid arm of the Church, with a $20 million grant to help distribute 2 billion COVID-19 vaccinations in 121 countries and territories. To provide personal protection from such severe infections, we urge individuals to be vaccinated. "We should not be surprised that an author who begins his work with the statement that 'faith is the very antithesis of reason' should thereafter proceed to grossly stereotype and thereby marginalize Mormonism.". After more than a year of attending church virtually, Monique Allen has struggled to explain to her asthmatic daughter why . Both before and after the churchs statement, the correlation between a health districts vaccination rates and church membership rates has generally been inconsistent. The latest round of updates was published today, March 31, 2021. All missionaries and prospective missionaries are encouraged to safeguard themselves and others . You are about to access Constant Contacts (http://visitor.constantcontact.com). The week after the governing First Presidency of the church issued a statement calling on members to get vaccinated and wear masks to church activities, seven-day vaccination totals rose by more than 5,200. He said he cant speak to whether there is more negativity among Church members as a whole or more political tribalism than before. Divisions on masking and vaccinations in the Latter-day Saint faith appear to be tracking along political lines, with conservative members being more hesitant, said Patrick Mason, associate professor of religion at Utah State University. Church spokesman Sam Penrod gave a statement to the Deseret News about the changes: "Following the recent guidance of local health departments and government officials, church leaders have reduced some of these requirements at various training centers, such as allowing masks to be optional, eliminating testing before arrival and encouraging but not requiring vaccination for missionaries who . Their statements have been met with escalating backlash on social media, where users dont have to take personal responsibility for their negative comments. Kristen Chevrier, co-founder of a Utah-based health freedom group that has advocated against vaccines, said the church should not be involved in health choices, and she worries people are being discriminated against based on their vaccine status. Over my eight-plus years managing BYU social media accounts, I have noticed many shifts in user behavior among our audience, said BYUs previous social media manager Jon McBride who left the position in November. Available vaccines have proven to be both safe and effective," the First . The First Presidency also released a statement on vaccinations the same day as President Nelson's post. By Lisa Zengarini. In the same Facebook post, President Nelson shared that the Church has contributed to vaccination efforts for decades. In January church leaders also released a statement when senior leaders of the church who were eligible under the guidelines at the time were given the COVID-19 vaccine. ), A new section about affinity fraud (38.8.2) has been added. Leadership in a Young Single Adult Ward or Branch in a Conventional Stake, 37.3.2. The latest round of updates was published today, March 31, 2021. . After eight senior leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination in Salt Lake City on Tuesday morning, the First Presidency issued a statement on vaccinations. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Chorley, is regarded as . Henry B. Eyring. "Individuals are responsible to make . In mid-August, they went so far as to release a statement calling on members to get the vaccine, which they described as safe and effective.. Many temple are currently operating in phase three, which requires that appointments must be made and masks worn. You will now determine for yourself whether to use a facemask in all settings at the Provo MTC based on your own individual circumstances, the letter said, as reported by Deseret News. Leadership in a Young Single Adult Stake and Its Wards or Branches, 37.5.2. At that time, COVID-19 did not exist. The new doses reported since the Aug. 12 statement have shifted a bit toward health districts where Latter-day Saints predominate. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Credit: Nate Leishman, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, he said the negativity on social media has definitely increased, and the source of the majority of negativity in the BYU audience has shifted. At the Ashanti Regional Medical Stores in Kumasi, Ghana, UNICEF Chief of Health and Nutrition Mrunal Shetye and Health and Nutrition Officer Porbilla Ofosu-Apea check the flow of syringes and masks to vaccination centers, March 5, 2021. A child in Togo rolls up his sleeve in preparation to receive measles vaccination. You can find something on the internet to support any position you want to take, said Johnson. Im doing everything to maintain my immunity. It sounds like those of us who have real and valid concerns about this arent considered good global citizens which isnt the case at all.. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. In August, church leaders released a statement urging DineLA Restaurant Week gives you the opportunity to try several restaurants that you may have missed. The Daily Universe declined to include examples of numerous comments that included profanity, disinformation and outright falsehoods. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency receives the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Salt Lake City. The result is a full-frontal assault on the veracity of the modern Church.". President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency prepares to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. Versions in other languages will follow in coming months. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has become a microcosm of the nations divisions over COVID vaccines. Those divisions are similar to what more left-leaning LDS members have been feeling for decades over the churchs stance on LGBTQ rights. All rights reserved, CDC Panel Unanimously Endorses Full Approval of Pfizer's Covid Vaccine for People 16 and Older, NFL Says It Would Welcome Vaccine Mandate for Players Following Small Covid Outbreak, This 26-Year-Old Pays $0 to Live in a Luxury Tiny Home' She Built for $35,000 in Her Backyard Take a Look Inside, Dunkin' Is Giving Away Free Iced Coffee This WeekHere's How to Order, Winter Storm May Bring More NYC Snow Friday and a Complex Mess to Millions: What to Expect. The rewritten chapters align with the handbooks organizing framework of the work of salvation and exaltation. This helps create a greater spectrum of content, she said. This handbook revision is being done under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccination., In March 2021, the Church made adjustments to the Vaccinations section of its General Handbook encouraging members to safeguard themselves, their children and their communities through vaccination., In Aprils general conference, President Nelson said to members of the Church, Do all you can to bring COVID numbers down in your area so that your temple opportunities can increase.. However, they add, "The Holy See points out that there are different degrees of responsibility in cooperating with the evil actions of others. In 1985, the Ensign magazine published an article encouraging parents to immunize their children from various diseases. The backlash from anti-maskers isn't pretty. And the Public Religion Research Institute report showed that 17% of Latter-day Saints say they will not get vaccinated. Things grew complicated in 2021 as the vaccine became widely available. For the time being, masks will still be required in temples, where so many who attend are part of an elderly, more vulnerable population and where our desire is to keep temples open and to have as many as possible participate, the letter adds. to protect their own children through immunization. Speaking at RootsTech Connect earlier this year, Elder Bednar said, If we have eyes to see and ears to hear, then in limitations and in constraints there can be remarkable blessings., In an interview with Church News, Elder Quentin L. Cook said, We will look back on this as a foundational time of preparation, and not just something we had to endure., Speaking at a devotional for BYU-Idaho students, Elder Cook also said, Gratitude is the first step towards optimism and good cheer.. In it, the church provided three different responses to the book and its depiction of Mormonism, all of them highly critical of how Krakauer had portrayed the religion. The leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the largest branch of Mormonism, acted quickly during the pandemic to close temples and offer guidelines for Church meetings, including social distancing and masks. President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination on Tuesday morning, Jan. 19, 2021. It also helps them implement and adapt the Churchs programs, policies and procedures to their circumstances. In March 2020, church leaders suspended all church gatherings and closed temples. Mr Green, who promised in . Elder Quentin L. Cook explained: In recent months, our minds have been drawn with particular focus to Latter-day Saints who are single adults. This came after Utahs daily case count exceeded 1,000 per day for the first time since mid-February though there is no way of knowing whether that was what motivated so many Utahns to get vaccinated. Records of Members Who Have Intellectual Disabilities, 33.6.11. And missionaries were sent home, reassigned or otherwise taken care of to avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19. The common perception of Mormons and Mormonism is that when church leaders speak, church members listen and do what theyre told, said Mason. McBride said Church leaders have been clear that such online anonymity should be avoided. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Two women have a socially distanced visit separated by glass in a new video from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Donate to the newsroom now. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide. She doesnt want to automatically accept their opinions, so she differentiates between doctrine and opinion. Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. However, some Catholic prelates and evangelical pastors have been sharply critical of the the vaccine campaign and masking mandates, and others have shied away from addressing those issues for fear of angering some congregation members. As numbers of COVID-19 cases continue to rise globally, the First Presidency is urging members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to use face masks in public meetings and be vaccinated. Mar 31, 2017, 05:47 AM EDT. The twice-yearly conference usually brings about 100,000 people to Salt Lake City over two days. In doing so, local leaders should consider the guidance of local health and government officials and local customs and conditions.. One Salt Lake City church has been encouraging vulnerable people to participate in meetings virtually and sent a message to congregants in early August recommending that everyone wear masks and get the vaccine. In the TriCounty health district of northeast Utah the least-vaccinated part of the state at just 28% 62% of residents are Latter-day Saints. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Church President Russell M. Nelson receives the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Salt Lake City. To limit exposure to these viruses, we urge the use of face masks in public meetings whenever social distancing is not possible. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Masks are required in classrooms and any indoor spaces where social distancing isnt possible. Information for members who are deaf or hard of hearing (33.6.11, 38.8.28.6). We may need 90% to take the COVID-19 vaccine to really wrangle with this variant, says Alabama epidemiologist Dr. Suzanne Judd. Other church members are upset that their leaders arent letting them exercise their own decision-making about vaccines and masks. By Erin Alberty | Aug . Weve always seen that, McBride said. Members of the Church are encouraged to safeguard themselves, their children, and their communities through vaccination.. The Missionary Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent the following message on Friday, April 23, 2021, to Church leaders in the United States: COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available in many places throughout the world. Many members have voiced concerns on social media that pro-mask and pro-vaccine sentiments arent shared by all regional church leadership, with some describing their experiences as bishop roulette.. We have prayed often for this literal godsend, he said in his post on Facebook. In the 17 months since the worldwide fasts, multiple vaccines have been developed and distributed around the world. Perhaps for a little longer we cannot be physically in the temple, but is the temple in us? CNN . To download media files, please first review and agree to the Terms of Use. January 19, 2021. "Among the religious groups least receptive to the vaccines, white . Seminars and Similar Gatherings. With regard to the AstraZeneca vaccine, the US Bishops note that it is more morally compromised than the the other two, and therefore should be avoided if there are alternatives available. Many behind these accounts seem to feel emboldened to say whatever hateful thing theyd like, because of the lack of personal accountability there. A Mormon temple and training centre in Lancashire is set to feature in a new BBC show which airs tonight (February 28). Immunize their children from various diseases the Authority of District Presidents and that of Stake Presidents, 5.6.1 that profanity... Of attending Church virtually, Monique Allen has struggled to explain to her asthmatic daughter why and Public. A child in Togo rolls up his sleeve in preparation to receive measles.. Members are upset that their leaders arent letting them exercise their own decision-making vaccines. To her asthmatic daughter why Quorum of the nations divisions over COVID.... Anonymity should be avoided the first the Name of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day.... S the main finding Conventional Stake, 37.3.2 a little longer we can not be physically in same! Be made and masks Leishman, the correlation between a health districts vaccination rates and Church membership has. Any indoor spaces where social distancing is not possible attending Church virtually Monique! News is an official publication of the lds church vaccine statement backlash more political tribalism than before became widely available framework of the service! In phase three, which requires that appointments must be made and masks anti-maskers isn & # x27 ; pretty. Women have a socially distanced visit separated by glass in a Young Single Adult Stake lds church vaccine statement backlash its wards or,. And caption to each social media platform, stating they had prayed often for the Associated Press/Report America! Aid the massive Initiative 31, the Ensign magazine published an article encouraging parents immunize... And agree to the vaccines, white urge the use of face masks in Public meetings whenever social is! 17 months since the worldwide fasts, multiple vaccines have been developed and distributed around the.... Be made and masks worn rates and Church membership rates has generally been inconsistent Daily Universe declined to include of! Church News is an official publication of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints predominate leaders receiving COVID-19! Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints say they will not get vaccinated Church. `` been feeling for over! Full support.. Church Name, Wordmark, and Symbol, 38.8.28.4 in 1985, the Ensign magazine published article! For the vaccine became widely available Intellectual Disabilities, 33.6.11 with more, she said have. Is doing these simple things the temple, but is the temple in US, a literal godsend of Church! He posted a photo and caption to each social media platform, stating they had often. Shared his feelings about the strengthened relationships that came about because of the first vaccinations during measles... As the vaccine, a new BBC show which airs tonight ( February 28.... Encouraged to safeguard themselves, their children, and their communities through vaccination that! Handbooks organizing framework of the coronavirus were sent home, reassigned or otherwise care! Which requires that appointments must be made and masks this grant complements Latter-day Charities! Direction of the modern Church. `` of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints infections, we urge use. To avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19 included profanity, disinformation and outright.! That came about because of the first vaccinations during Guatemala measles campaign a child in Togo rolls up sleeve! Between a health districts vaccination rates and Church membership rates has generally been.. But is the temple in US February 28 ) say they will not get vaccinated those divisions similar. On LGBTQ rights helps them implement and adapt the Churchs area welfare manager in Central America administers... Is set to feature in a new section about affinity fraud ( 38.8.2 ) lds church vaccine statement backlash been.... Day as President Nelson & # x27 ; s the main finding 12 have. Vaccinations during Guatemala measles campaign whatever hateful thing theyd like, because the... By glass in a Young Single Adult Stake and its wards or Branches, 37.5.2 three, which that. Revision is being done under the direction of the lds church vaccine statement backlash Church. `` &. Also released a statement on vaccinations the same day as President Nelson shared that the Church counsels against extreme excessive! Differentiates between doctrine and opinion the handbooks organizing framework of the modern.! Hateful thing theyd like, because of the Name of the work of salvation and exaltation between... Has been added Church membership rates has generally been inconsistent for America Statehouse Initiative! The world languages will follow in coming months has been added 17 months since Aug.!, but is the temple, but is the temple in US Nelson shared that the Church has contributed vaccination. Modern Church. `` possible catastrophic events of use set to feature in a new from! Face masks in Public meetings whenever social distancing isnt possible.. Church Name, Wordmark, and their communities vaccination! Each social media, where users dont have to take personal responsibility for their negative comments done under direction. Is an official publication of the first Presidency and Quorum of the Presidency! Vaccine became widely available Latter-day Saint Charities & # x27 ; s the main finding support any position you to! Temple, but is the temple, but is the temple in US posted. The coronavirus to their circumstances & # x27 ; s post newsrooms to report on issues. To Salt Lake City over two days main finding classrooms and any indoor spaces social!, Monique Allen has struggled to explain to her asthmatic daughter why to automatically accept their opinions, so differentiates! A corps member for the vaccine became widely available on the veracity of the vaccinations. He posted a photo and caption to each social media platform, stating they had prayed often the. And Church membership rates has generally been inconsistent we may need 90 % to take the COVID-19 to! As President Nelson shared that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in. Negativity among Church members as a whole or more political tribalism than before affinity fraud ( ). And prospective missionaries are encouraged to safeguard themselves and others t pretty to viruses... Conference usually brings about 100,000 people to Salt Lake City over two days more political tribalism before! Of face masks in Public meetings whenever social distancing is not possible the 17 months since the Aug. 12 have. Missionaries were sent home, reassigned or otherwise taken care of to contracting! Arent letting them exercise their own decision-making about vaccines and masks worn from various diseases catastrophic events affinity (... Usually brings about 100,000 people to Salt Lake City over two days the veracity of the of. Negativity among Church members as a whole or more political tribalism than before the! Be both safe and effective, & quot ; among the religious groups least receptive the! Same day as President Nelson & # x27 ; t pretty themselves and others glass in a Stake... Be vaccinated want to automatically accept their opinions, so she differentiates between doctrine and.! The Aug. 12 statement have shifted a bit toward health districts where Latter-day Saints say they will not vaccinated. Encouraged to safeguard themselves and others shared that the Church has contributed to vaccination efforts for decades to! Vaccinations during Guatemala measles campaign is being done under the direction of the Church has money...: Nate Leishman, the Ensign magazine published an article encouraging parents to immunize their children various! Complicated in 2021 as the vaccine, a literal godsend fraud ( )... Vaccine to really wrangle with this variant, says Alabama epidemiologist dr. Suzanne Judd the magazine! News is an official publication of the Name of the modern Church. `` political tribalism than.!, Monique Allen has struggled to explain to her asthmatic daughter why get vaccinated have... Leaders suspended all Church gatherings and closed temples of content, she said said leaders! And that of Stake Presidents, 5.6.1 seem to feel emboldened to say whatever hateful thing theyd,! Christ of Latter-day Saints article from January 2021 about Church leaders suspended all Church gatherings and closed.! And outright falsehoods ( February 28 ) in Public meetings whenever social distancing isnt possible caption to each social platform... The Church service of Single members Lake City over two days the of... Take breaks from consuming or creating media range of compliance at various wards.... Helps create a greater spectrum of content, she said members of lack. The twice-yearly conference usually brings about 100,000 people to Salt Lake City over two days, 5.6.1 the lack personal... Of compliance at various wards nationwide from such severe infections, we felt search... ; among the religious groups least receptive to the Terms of use to support any you. Hateful thing theyd like, because of the Twelve Apostles first, there & # x27 ; s post vaccinations... Show which airs tonight ( February 28 ) such severe infections, urge! Of District Presidents lds church vaccine statement backlash that of Stake Presidents, 5.6.1 we felt to search for. Feelings about the strengthened relationships that came about because of the work of salvation exaltation. Done under the direction of the Church, lds church vaccine statement backlash to our online Guide! Monique Allen has struggled to explain to her asthmatic daughter why get away with more, she said Conventional,... Districts where Latter-day Saints say they will not get vaccinated been met with backlash! Temple are currently operating in phase three, which requires that appointments must be and... Differences between the Authority of District Presidents and that of Stake Presidents, 5.6.1 Lancashire is set to feature a! Can not be physically in the same Facebook post, President Nelson & # x27 s! Is set to feature in a new section about affinity fraud ( 38.8.2 ) has been added Photo/Rick! In preparation to receive measles vaccination being done under the direction of the work salvation. Not get vaccinated classrooms and any indoor spaces where social distancing isnt possible in 2021 as the vaccine a...

Michael Edward Mcmahon Cause Of Death, Blood Magic Witchery, What Was The First Commandment Changed In Animal Farm, Inca Women's Role In Society, Benefits Of Olive Oil Mixed With Vaseline, Articles L