Can Mormons Get Divorced and Remarried Without Being Excommunicated?
Divorce is a sensitive and often challenging issue, particularly within religious contexts. Mormons, also known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), have their own unique dynamics regarding marriage and divorce. This article aims to provide clarity on whether Mormons can get divorced and remarried outside the church without facing excommunication.
Church Stance on Divorce
Contrary to popular belief, the LDS Church does not have an official position on divorce. According to many members and leaders, the church encourages individuals to remain married unless there is a compelling reason to separate. The church typically takes a personal matter approach, meaning that decisions related to divorce are largely left to the individuals involved.
However, there are certain principles that the church teaches regarding marriage and divorce. From the pulpit, it is often emphasized that divorce should only be considered as an absolute last resort, with the primary reason being abuse.
Michael, a member of the church, states, Faithful members of the church get married both civilly and for eternity in the temple. A temple sealing is harder to break than a civil marriage. Men can be sealed to more than one woman, but women can only be sealed to one man.
Temple Sealing vs Civil Marriage
When discussing Mormon divorce and remarriage, it is crucial to differentiate between temple sealing and civil marriage. A temple sealing has eternal significance within the church. If a man is sealed to more than one woman, it means he has entered into a covenant of marriage that extends beyond the grave. This makes divorce and subsequent remarriage more complex compared to a simple civil marriage.
On the other hand, a civil marriage outside the temple is subject to the local laws of the state or country. It is legally binding during the couple's lifetimes but does not have the same spiritual and eternal connotations as a temple sealing.
Michael goes on to say, If by 'in the church' you mean sealed in the temple, the answer is yes if you're a man and no if you're a woman, unless you can get your temple sealing broken which requires permission from the prophet I believe.
For women, the rules are different: although they can marry again outside the temple, they cannot be sealed to more than one man, which means their previous temple sealing remains intact.
Practical Experiences and Anecdotes
Various members of the church share their personal experiences to provide a more relatable perspective. For instance, an anonymous member recounts, I got divorced, remarried, no problems. I did not commit any wrongs. I divorced again and never remarried.-------------
Another member, Michael, shares his story, I have been married three times and divorced twice. All three marriages were performed by my Bishop at the time. I’ve been with my third wife for almost 19 years now.
These anecdotes suggest that while the church teaches about the sanctity of marriage, it also recognizes that life can be unpredictable and that individuals may need to make difficult decisions. The church typically does not enforce strict penalties for those who choose to get remarried outside the temple, provided they adhere to the spiritual guidelines set forth by the leadership.
In conclusion, while the LDS Church encourages individuals to stay married, it is ultimately a personal decision. Divorce and remarriage outside the temple are possible, though remarriage within the temple requires specific circumstances and approval. Understanding the differences between temple sealing and civil marriage is crucial for anyone seeking clarity on these issues within the Mormon faith.