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Continue ShoppingThe First Presidency Discontinues Time-Only Marriages in the Temple in Letter
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that time-only marriages in the temple will no longer be performed.
The discontinuance was addressed in a Monday, May 24, letter to General Authorities; General Officers; Area Seventies; stake, mission, district and temple presidents; and bishops and branch presidents.
In the past, time-only marriages were only performed for those who had been previously sealed to a spouse who had passed away. Both people had to have good standing with the Church, temple recommends, and a marriage license. This practice, however, has been discontinued as of today.
The First Presidency in a letter stated:
“A temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the house of the Lord. It is a holy place of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God and receive promised blessings. These covenants and blessings are eternal in nature.
“Because of the eternal nature of the temple and the work that takes place there, it has been decided that time-only marriages in the temple will no longer be performed. In the case where a couple desires to be married civilly and where a sealing is not contemplated or possible, the couple is encouraged to invite their bishop or stake president — where it is legal — to officiate at the marriage ceremony.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
Heidi
May 25, 2021
Honestly I always thought this was an odd thing given that the all the other ordinances are eternal in nature. Also I feel that with direction so many local governments are headed with laws concerning LGBT rights there may come a day when members are only sealed and not actually married in temple. Meaning if laws are passed stating you have to marry anyone even if against your religious belief, then they wouldn’t actually have to do it.