Divorce and Mormon Temple Sealing: Understanding the Dynamics and Legalities
Divorce is a topic that often intersects with religious beliefs and practices. For those who identify with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) or the Mormon faith, understanding how divorce is handled in relation to temple sealing is crucial. This article aims to clarify the legal and religious aspects of divorce in the Mormon faith, specifically for individuals who have been married in an LDS temple.
Divorce as a Civil Matter
It is important to understand that divorce is a matter handled by civil authorities, not by religious institutions. The Mormon Church, while providing spiritual guidance and support to its members, does not have the power to prevent or grant divorces. The decision and process of divorce are determined by the laws of the country in which the individuals reside.
For example, in the United States, all 50 states have different laws regarding divorce. While the Mormon Church can provide counseling and support, it cannot impose any restrictions or influence the outcome.
Temple Sealing and Civil Divorce
When individuals get married in an LDS Temple, they participate in a ceremony that is both religious and legal. This ceremony is known as a temple sealing, and it creates a bond that is considered eternal in the eyes of the Mormon faith. However, this sealing does not prevent a civil divorce from occurring.
If an individual is divorced civilly, the temple sealing is not automatically annulled. The sealing can be unsealed, but this process requires additional efforts and approval through the appropriate church leadership. The primary reason for unsealing a temple sealing is usually when one partner has remarried and wants to be sealed to their new spouse.
Legal Requirements for Divorce
Regardless of whether a couple was married in an LDS temple, the legal requirements for divorce are the same as for any other marriage. The process of obtaining a divorce must comply with the laws of the country in which the individuals reside. This includes completing legal paperwork, attending court proceedings, and meeting any other legal requirements.
LDS Church members who are considering a divorce must follow the same process as any other individual. Once the legal divorce is finalized, the temple sealing can be subsequently unsealed through the proper channels within the LDS Church.
Understanding the Temple Sealing Process
Temple sealings are not overseen by or subject to national law. Instead, they are religious ceremonies governed by the LDS Church's leadership. For these sealings to take place, individuals must be legally married according to the laws of their country. The church does not recognize common law marriages or other forms of non-legal unions.
The sealing ceremony creates a covenant between the individuals, which is believed to be eternal. However, this covenant is not binding in a legal sense. If a temple sealing is to be broken, it requires authorization from church leadership and is typically done only in cases where one partner has remarried and desires a new sealing.
Resources and References
For more detailed information on the procedures and policies related to divorce and temple sealings, individuals can refer to the General Handbook of Instructions, which is a document used by church leadership to direct the administration of the church. This handbook is available to the public through the LDS Gospel Library app or in print.
Understanding the interplay between legal and religious aspects of divorce is essential for individuals within the Mormon faith. It is important to consult official resources and seek guidance from church leaders to navigate these complex matters effectively.