Are you a bride within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? Big changes were announced this morning regarding temple sealings and civil marriages.
“The policy requiring couples who have been married civilly to wait one year before being sealed has now been discontinued,” wrote The First Presidency in a letter this morning. “Couples who have been married civilly may be sealed in the temple when they receive their temple recommends.”
The policy sets a single global standard for Latter-day Saints. For many years, the Church has observed this practice in over half the countries where the faith resides.
Leaders also say they hope the change will inspire more unity, love and inclusion — particularly among mixed-faith families.
Church spokeswoman Irene Caso, who is from Madrid, Spain, shared her personal excitement for this new policy.
“In 2005, my husband and I were married. We had a beautiful civil ceremony on the afternoon of December 15 at a city hall. Later that day, in a more private setting, we were sealed in the Madrid Spain Temple. After going to the temple, we all celebrated with music and dance. Most of my immediate family and friends are not members of our faith, so it was especially meaningful for us to have them witness our civil union and help them feel included in the festivities of the day. These changes announced today will bring the same happy and memorable experience to many families throughout the Church.”
Click here for the letter from The First Presidency, as well as a short Q&A.
