Can Mormons Have Tattoos? | Interview with Al Fox 

I have 70% of my body tattooed and I have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ

I was in the temple and at the veil there was a person that had tattoos on his hands (probably on his arms too) and on his face. He was working at the veil as a worker. I was so impressed by him. It is a good example of how your past sins don’t have to get in the way of your salvation.

Al!!! Embrace the name. Without you having that name I would have never even continued with my investigating the church!!! I was “curious” and wanted to learn more but thought I was unworthy because of all my tattoos. A friend said look up the “Tattooed Mormon”. I did. I watched your speech at I think it was Virginia University. That was it. That was the confirmation I needed as silly as that sounds!!! I instantly bought your book, you sent me an autographed copy. My missionary came up to you a few weeks ago and you sent me a video. You’re amazing and even tho you’re younger I look up to you!!!

So, when I got baptized I felt a little uncomfortable because of my tattoos then I went to the temple and I saw a temple worker with tattoos in his hands. I literally felt so good to know that I could progress no matter what 😊

I am gay, have tattoos and am a temple ordinance worker. I struggled for years to reconcile everything and didn't feel comfortable at church. I was inactive and less active for years and when I returned to attending, I used to wear arm sleeves to cover my tattoos at church. My bishop knew how much it bothered me that I felt I was being judged constantly but after a heart to heart talk he asked me to stop covering my tattoos and to come as I am, for that is how Heavenly Father loves me. In the temple I used to wear this sleeve that covered my wrist and it apparently looked like a bandage. When I was doing initiatories a sister asked me how I hurt my hand. I realized I couldn't lie, especially in the temple so I looked at her and whispered that I was covering tattoos. Her face lit up and she gave me a big hug and she said I was her new favorite temple worker. She said it helped her knowing that I was an ordinance worker because it helped her feel like she has a place there too. After reading comments here and watching this, I just might not wear my sleeve that covers the tattoo on my wrist. I am not ashamed nor do I regret any of the tattoos I have gotten for they are a part of me and have deep personal meaning. I am only saddened when I am judged by members. I know my body is a temple. That is why I have been selective with how I adorn it when I chose to get my tattoos.

I converted in December. I have four tattoos. I did have a small nose piercing as well. Someone I met prior to converting, gave me a copy of your book. I never read it but just seeing the pic of your tattoos opened my mind to learning more and investigating the church.

Being a tattooed member of the church, and living in Utah, has never been something I've had to worry about. I hear a lot of people that live here say that they get strange looks and/or mean things said to them about having tattoos. But I've honestly never had a single negative experience being a tattooed member of the church. Maybe I'm the rare case. The only funny looks I've gotten have been from little kids during sacrament meeting. In those circumstances I look right at them, and smile. That always seems to make them realize that I might look different, but I'm an alright dude. Haha.

Loved this enough that I'm gonna listen a second time!

I'm a convert, joining while still active duty with the Army. I'm more "turned off" by any negative reaction to tattoos and piercings than I would be by the fruits of the spirit. We got to hear Al talk just last Saturday in Rexburg and she told a story of barely moving to Utah and someone making an overt comment to her about her appearance. That is far uglier than any outward markings, head shaved, beards, etc. Her spirit and what she says is louder than any outward appearance.

I'm active LDS, a returned missionary, sealed in the temple to my wife and have 2 kids. I've always wanted tattoos. Thought that desire would go away as I matured. It never did. So, I got tattoos. And yes, I still consider myself temple worthy and hold a recommend. My tattoos are religious and meaningful to me and a way I like to show my faith and dedication to others and also as reminders to myself. I know that it's discouraged by the apostles, but it's not something that would keep me from returning into the presence of God. I think it's crazy how much attention and criticism this woman has received for her tattoos. Lots of my active buddies have tattoos. And are more real about the gospel than many other Mormons I see at church. On top of that, one of my tattoo artists in Utah is a mormon. He's a convert and provides for his family that way.

My grandpa had tatoos, and he was my hero in the gospel.

Al is so beautiful. Thanks for your thoughts!!! ❤️👌👍

I'm a tattooed member. Thanks for the video

People call me "the blue mormon girl" cause my hair is blue hahaha And I'm SO ok with this! All members got used to see my blue hair in the chappel and they miss me and my blue hair if I dont go on sundays. I have tattoos too, it have a history and I will not cover all my body just because I have them. Im a new person, Im a member, I love the Gospel and Im being treated with love all the time. And I think is really cool to be the Blue Mormon or the Blue Fox (cause I have a fox tattooed). Luv u guys and Al!

Thank you SO MUCH for making the point that judging others is not an LDS thing, it definitely is a human thing. I’ve lived in Utah my whole life and people blame the “Mormon culture” and say that Mormons judge everyone so much, but honestly I see nonmembers judge WAY more than members. People just assume that Mormons are so judgmental because people in Utah are judgmental. Drives me crazy!

The great thing about Sis Al...she just glows!! The Light of Christ & the power of her testimony is so strong that YES!!! I no longer see her tats...to the point I'm shocked when I do notice them 😨 She's such an inspiration to old & young... I.JUST.LOVE.HER!!!

“It’s a title they use to associate you with something irrelevant” AMEN SIS

I actually got to meet Al when she told her story at the Palmyra YSA conference in 2018. Her story is so amazing, and she's such an sweet and friendly person.

Do you know how many Mormons I know that have tattoo's? A ton!! My husband is one of them. He is also a convert to the church.

What a feel-wonderful video! The wisdom and inspiration expressed made my heart squeeze with love and gratitude. Thank you, and blessings on you!♡♡♡

Kept the church at arms length from age 15 to age 25. I lived in Utah until age 24, Got a tattoo at a tattoo in Orem Utah when I was 19 I was treated differently because of it by people in the church I thought were my friends, and that pushed me even further away. I moved to North Dakota when I was 24 with my husband. I was isolated, because I was living in an oil boom town where EVERYONE worked, if you didn’t work you just didn’t….see or hang out with people unless you had family there, and the only family I had there (my husband and 2 brothers & their wives) all worked 16+ hour days. My brothers wife invited me to church when I was pregnant at age 25. I was desperate for human interaction, but I was so worried people would avoid me because of my tattoo. It’s on my leg, I would hide it with long dresses, and high boots. Until I started noticing other people there with tattoos they didn’t cover up, and I did notice a lot of the rough neck guys showing up in their FR clothing right off the rigs, and nobody cared that they weren’t put together all the way, they were just happy they came. From there I’ve moved to Colorado, and I’ve had no issues with having a tattoo here either. I believe if I ever were to move back to Utah I’d be able to handle how others react to my tattoo better. The experience I had with my ward in North Dakota led me back to the church. Shout out to my North Dakota peeps. ❤️❤️

It's really hard for some members to not judge when people are different. It's nice to see you were able to separate the church's teachings from the flaws of some of its members. I watched your short conversion video too. Good stuff.

Well said loved it

Al, I love your story. I read your book, 'Tattooed Mormon', and it made such an impression on me. I see you as a sort of 'Elias' to prepare the way for certain members of the church to get over their holier than thou attitudes about tattoos and any other stigma that is attached to new members of the church. We as a church invite all to come unto Christ, and that includes people with tattoos. I really think you were able to break down many barriers that have hindered many from accepting new members who have lived differently than what a typical member of the church is used to. I honestly believe that the majority of church members are very charitable and welcoming to all who come unto Christ, but as it always is, the majority gets judged by the few. And I honestly believe those that act like knuckleheads usually aren't doing it out of malice, but of ignorance. You are a breath of fresh air and I was so happy to see you in this video and hear your testimony. You are a beautifull person and a true disciple of Christ!

Yes we can. I guess I am the tattoo’d Biker Mormon. I have a rock solid testimony. I was 65 yrs old when I realized I did. Now we are preparing to Baptize my wife of 30 years and eventually we will be sealed for eternity in the Temple. It’s never too late to return to where we should have remained. God bless us all in these times of plague. In Jesus Christ’s name Amen

"Judging isnt a mormon thing, its a human thing" I really appreciated this statement, thank you!

Simply the best !

Thanks Al!

Love love love you Al!!!

Awesome message! Thank you.

I would love to do a joint podcast or a video with y’all. About how similar perceptions are made with members in the military along with being tattooed. Just stumbled upon your channel in 2020 and I absolutely love it

Al you are the most wonderful person I have ever met. I love your wonderful spirit.

When I was in high school in the early nineties, we had a missionary in our branch with tattoos on his arm and it was the first time I saw an active member with tattoos. It was an eye opening experience. This elder was so awesome and I was fortunate to learn about him and the kind of person he is. After I found out what character this elder was made of , I totally looked passed the tattoos and I learned the atonement is real and this elder was in the best place he was supposed to be : on a full time mission serving Jesus Christ .

Awesome video! Keep it up!

I am blessed with your inspieing message dear sister. God bless you more and all of the brothers with you there.❤️🙏

I grew up Mormon and have tattoos. Have lived in utah for over 20 years I totally get what you're saying. Agree that if everyone sins were sitting out there like tattoos then people would already be judging. So much love ❤️

I had tattoos before I joined the church and many didn't know I had tattoos till I rolled up my sleeves and then the looks began...well here it is 20 years later and I am in the middle of getting new tattoo (working on an upper arm half sleeve.)

Great show. Love Al Fox!

Thank you... I need to watch this...

I was raised in Provo. If I had seen you in my singles ward, I totally would have asked you out. The tats would have reeled me in. I've always understood not everybody has always been a member. Converts are usually very grounded in the gospel.

I subscribed, found this channel following Al Fox Carraway

Love this.

yes al!! love her

Here in brazil we need so much a chanel like this. Please caption in portuguese. Congrats and tks

Praise God

"The world is never changing, it might even get worse".... yes.... hello 2020!

I think your great Al , I watch your channel & if I was a Mormon , I would wanna be a Mormon like you😘🙏🏽😘🙏🏽🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

I ran into her once and called her that because I was star struck and couldn’t remember her name and I’ve felt so bad since then 😟 I’m do sorry Al

I love your story! Your the best!

I'm not mormon, but she is a very SMART woman. We can learn a lot from her. Ty!!

I'm mormon and I want more tattoos...

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and to be honest - I love the art of tattoos. I think there is some great artistry in them. What I want to do is ask people about them. But I don't know how to approach people about them or if they even want to talk about them. What is the social protocol about them? Al - thanks for being you. I've been following you for a while and I love the testimony you bring.

Im a member and i have had tattoos for a long time. At first people gave me hard time and it was like oh your the brother with tattoos and it was irritating but they stopped after a while

The thing with her is, she got the tattoos before she became a member of the church. She has the sweetest spirit

I guess I'm a tattooed Mormon too, just not practically famous for it. I wouldn't be complaining about that title at least people listen to you and you can get your story out and spread your light but I do agree that it is irrelevant and with your perspective at the same time.. Your inspiring and thankfully my ward is so accepting. ❤ I wish you all the best.

I really don't think that the lord is going to judge people for having tattoos. Depending upon how you were brought up or your culture heritage, tattoos may be fine. I feel that it's much more important for a person to worry about what comes from within or comes out your mouth - for looks on the outside can be deceiving but inwardly most always shows your true colors, so ones heart maybe tattooed with judgement and condemnation. I know that some people get them because of tradition such as what the Polynesian people choose to do and to them that can show a right of passage, pride in family and history and I don't judge them for that. I was in the Navy and I never got a tattoo just because I would probably get tired of it or I'm not the type of guy who would want a mermaid on my arm. I do know that some people who do get them when young in life wish that they didn't make that choice latter in life. We all make choices, some good and some bad. Those bad choices can be branded into our minds like a tattoo and only through Christ's Grace can we be made pure again.

On my mission I had someone we were teaching that could not get past his feelings that he could not get baptized because of his tattoos he had all over his arms, they were really cool tattoos and this guy had a serious heart of gold. My companion had been teaching him for over 6 months and the rest of the family got baptized just not him. We tried really hard to work with him and at first we didn’t realize how much this was bothering him. We just thought he had other things holding him back. In a lesson with him it finally came out that he felt like he couldn’t get baptized due to his tattoos. I had a tattoo I had gotten in my early 20’s during a period of rebellion I did not think it would help by me showing so I didn’t say anything. My companion told me to show him. I didn’t think it was going to help so I said no. But at the end of our lesson I told him about my past and showed him my tattoo, and he committed right there to getting baptized. I knew from there on my past, though I had mistakes, was going to allow me to connect with people other missionaries may not be able to. I didn’t broadcast I was any different. In fact I never showed my tattoo again my whole mission. When I got home from my mission I went to YSA and I did not think that I was going to find my wife in the ward I was in. In fact, on a rafting trip we were talking in the car on the way back about things we would want to seek in a partner and what kinds of pasts could they deal with it. A lot of the comments from the girls side completely made me feel isolated because everything that they had issues I had issues in my late teens and early 20’s but I had overcame them. My now wife was sitting in that van and noticed how I was reacting though I wasn’t saying anything. She really showed Christlike love to me and understood I was not the same I was when I was younger. And accepted me for who I was not for what I had done. She ended up asking me out on our first date and the rest is history now. 9 years later, 2 kids, 3 states, and a multitude of callings. Our choices don’t have to define us and we don’t have to care if others try to define us by our mistakes, whether in the church or not.

I think we all may have something that makes us feel the same way. If it is not tattoos, it's something else that makes life hard for us and we feel we can't get out of the house and makes us turn to Christ to make us stronger and keep us going. Some of us have things that are not so visible but just as hard and people judge us not knowing us. It happens all the time inside and outside the church. Christ is the one that heals us of whatever challenge/pain we go through in this life.

I have tattoos myself personally, and I a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have been since I was 12 years old.

You do look very temple worthy, and beautiful. My best wishes for you Al! Come to Mexico!

The thing about tattoos is that sometimes it's a cultural thing. I think that's a decision that no one can make for you. I live in NZ and there are lots of Māori or Pasifika who are tattooed, and tbh there are sooooo many worse things to be!

I don't judge those with tattoos, I just know someone who got really sick from theirs, heavy metal poisoning. That is something not a lot of people talk about, the possible negative health effects that can happen.

Amazing. Loved it. she says, "I never felt uncomfortable or insecure about myself or my looks until I moved to Utah." I felt the same way as I wasn't tattooed but was still I looked down upon for my multiracial looks or build even among professors. I also went back at 29, with no kids and not married. The first day I stood up and said im from Seattle, I got all these dirty looks. It really hurt my self-esteem for a long time

I don’t think she realizes what a huge impact she has one those of us that stayed home because we were scared to go to church because of our tattoos I love the church but I also wanted tattoos I grew up knowing it was wrong but guess what I like anyone else that commits sins can be forgiven and still be with god someday

Thank you for this message . Follow the prophet and if you are not following the prophet , start today . And if you have a tattoo, don’t worry about it. Don’t get another tattoo and you’ll be happy .

Good job

This is a wonderful message and I'm glad you're sharing this with the world. I spent a few years after my mission living in Provo, so I'm not surprised. If you were my age and living there in the early 90's, I'd have asked you on a date.😉 However, there's a lot of "active" RM tattoo apologists in this comment section that are just being silly. I won't shun you for comming to church and I'd be happy to stand across from you in temple, but don't try to convince people that we're being judgemental for disapproving of tattoos after really knowing better. Yes, I realize you don't require my approval; I'm nobody. Our leaders have counselled against this practice. The Strength of Youth guide instructs our young men and women to avoid it. What happens when you're called to be a YM/YW's leader or a bishop and you're instructing the youth from the guide? How's that going to work? Al, comes from a totally different scenario than "I got tattooed becuase I've wanted one and I'm an RM, married in the temple w/kids, and I consider myself worthy to enter the temple". You go on and justify all you want, I truly get it. We're all guilty of the same behavior. My main concern with this group here making comments is that your behavoir will influence those considering tattoos. Our prophets are called to lead us at the head of Christ's church, although they are men and they've never been perfect. The appologists are ignorantly leading people to oppose the counsel of these men and I'd argue that's a whole heck of a lot worse than getting a silly tattoo. Things to consider, folks.

I see this type of situation a lot from some members. The Church was never meant just for those that lived a clean life (those that were raised in the Church). It is mostly there for those that are sinners or those that had different lives before they excepted the truth, repented and joined the Church through baptism. God loves the sinner and excepts them into the fold, even with their blemishes, tattoos and all. If God can look past one’s tattoos that show, He can look past the sins that were hidden.

I am a tattooed Mormon and not ashamed of it. I would embrace it because there is a huge problem with members who do not accept or judge you for having tattoos. Any idea that a tattoo is a sin is incorrect. I am an active Mormon, returned missionary and will continue to get more tattoos. Why am I considered to be a “sinner” in today’s judgmental Mormon society?

One of my good friends was inactive for a number of years and while inactive he tattoos. He came back activity. He at least in my area has not had any issues with the local membership. He also does not care what other think too. Thankfully.

Amen and amen

Love this video!

She's SO CHARISMATIC! Bring her back!

Yay! Al! She's so bubbly that the guys couldn't get a word in edgewise. LOL Loved it! ;) I really wanted a tattoo for my lost embryo babies (four of 'em) but now since deciding to join the church I'll honor their lives another way instead. :) Baptism day for hubby and me will be May 12th! So excited!!!

When I was younger I was told that tattoos were bad, and there was this brother who had them, he was in the bishop brick. I was confused because I was very young but I learned soon after that, that it was his battle scar, and his process of finding the truth, then I got my own battle scars not physical and outward, but inward. The truth I learned is that there will be trials, and it is not fair to judge someone's character off of things they believe and do even when we think it is wrong, I also learned what faith and long suffering means, I was told by my family that they didn't believe I loved them because of stupid reasons and stuff, so I stopped being able to feel my family or my heavenly father's love, but I knew they did love me. I made terrible mistakes because I felt alone and unloved, but I never doubted that they loved me, but it didn't mean that I could feel it. I read the scriptures so many times alone in my room, praying for God to fix me and to make me whole, I didn't believe I deserved God's love because I was unclean and kept falling. That state lasted for 4 years of my child development between 10-14, and I found a light. I never lost my faith, even though I went through bitter hell. I'll quote Alma 36 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.

As much as you dislike the title "Tattooed Mormon".... In which I get... But it stands as a firm testimony in the Plan of Salvation. And that alone has helped thousands. Even those dealing with repentance on other sins. We all have scars. Some show some don't. But what a testiment u show.

I don't think I've been judged at church for my tattoos... I have several, but the one on my ring finger is the most visible. It represents the permanence of our marriage.

I was doing temple Work at NZ Temple in 1997. The Brother whom was Baptising me, for and in behalf of my Ancestors, had tattoos a plenty. Quite an interesting man he is! Dutch, too. Wouldn't have bothered me if he had no tattoos at all.

15:54 kwaku looks like the guy from the end of monsters inc when mike wazowski is practicing comedy

I have read the book “not just the tattoos morman” 39 times

Tatoos should not be a sin. Sorry but who cares , if you wear that kind of accesories. I believe that it's important what our heart looks like and not what we look like at the outside. God loves us all, tatoos or no tatoos. Al, you are beautiful and amazing!

That's the thing I tell people. You can do anything you want to do! When I was Elders Quorum President I had long hair.i wasn't told to cut it when the Stake President called me. When I did cut my hair, just because I needed a change, the former EQ's wife came up to me and said "now you look like an Elders Quorum President"! Wrong thing to say ! I told her in no uncertain terms in a condescending whisper "I am still the same person that I was before my haircut"!

I believe eternity includes this very moment, as well as all of the past and all of the future.

I want a tattoo between my eyes, (backwards... can only be read in the mirror) that says, "You Are Here."

As a result of my daughter passing; I got got a tattoo in memory of her. Don't worry; unless I have my shirt off, no one would know about my tattoo. Does this make me a bad member of the church and do I need to turn in my temple recommend?

I do think this is regional. I am a convert and I live in the South. I have a single tattoo on my arm and not once has anyone, not even a child mentioned it in any negative way. I have even had a few comments that were people saying it "attractive" or "nice ink". I even had one elderly sister tell me it was "lovely". I had my ink before I joined, but like they guy said, if we had to wear our mistakes forever, we would be "tattoo'd head to toe".

As long as you dont get any tattoos after you convert then its fine. If your tattoos are from your days prior to being a member then its no problem. But if youre getting tattoos on a regular even after being a member then thats a different story.

I'm a tattooed Latter-day Saint!

God looks at our heart not what we have on our bodies

There are alot of born again christians who got tattoos before they were saved and many of these chhristians have ministries and are pastors

It's in Important Emonial Empathy to People even to those who have Tattoos

I think Al Fox is fantastic! I just don't understand why she doesn't get her tattoos removed. Even if she doesn't, I still think she's fantastic!

Never once did this video mention the decree in Leviticus 19:28 to not make marks upon one's flesh. Laser tattoo removal is possible.

Got 2 pieces this year. I even had prayers on this subject answered in the temple. I feel like it is personal revelation based. If you are going to abuse it and get out of control then maybe with praying about it your answer will be not to get them. I love my ink and plan to get many more additions. The church has only ever discouraged tattoos and multiple piercings. I love the church and my faith will never waiver.

To this day I’m still shocked by the reaction of some Utah members towards her. If someone like her had walked into my ward I would have thought it was fantastic!… admittedly, that means I would have had a reaction, because it’s true, most Utah Latter Day Saints DONT have tattoos, but for me, it would have been a positive reaction! The church is for all god’s children!

Boy I have quite a few tattoos, they are artwork and was put upon my body prior to joining the latter day saint faith. My thoughts are as follows since the body is a temple then tattoos make the wallpaper!

Anyone who wants to get a tattoo and knows what the prophet says and knows they shouldn't should just go ahead and listen to the prophet, I'm a convert and didn't know these things for most of my life and I have tattoos and track marks from past drug use, even though the Spirit has let me know they are a part of my testimony the fact that I have them is something that I struggled with when I first joined, the guilt of knowing im where Heavenly Father wants me to be but looking down at my arm and seeing these bothered me continuously, I can't imagine how much worse it would be if I knowingly got it done then went to sacrament meeting afterwards

try showing up to sacrament meeting in a patched out leather jacket & vest, tattoos yes, arms and head in central IL close to Nauvoo. then we can have a chat about looks you get.

al is awesome

Do they know how many polynesian members have traditional tattoos?