Unfortunately, many believe the lack of information in official Church publications about plural marriage is a form of cover-up. Ok, just confirmed. It was reported that at the time of Jeffs' death at age 92 that he may have had as many as 75 wives and 65 children; however, conflicting sources indicate that Jeffs may have been survived by 19 or 20 wives and "about 60 children," including 33 sons. No they can't. Its in the handbook. I don't know if divorced men can be branch presidents though.applepansy For example, a number of years ago I showed some important guests around the Family History Library and then the neighboring Museum of Church History and Art, both in Salt Lake City. Yet when he observed Elder Scott and his wife, he noticed they seemed to have a sense of peace that he did not. 20. 6. Polygamy. However, it is obvious more needs to be done to answer the questions and concerns of members of all ages. Only 13 percent of LDS couples have divorced after five years of marriage, compared with 20 percent for religiously homogamist unions among Catholics and ok now i am confused can you be one of the twelve apostles if you have been divorced does it matter if you remarried, has there been any of the twelve apostles that have been divorced or could you be one of the twelve apostles if you have been divorced i want to make sure i am not misrepresenting the LDS position. 3. For some of our youth, the shock is too traumatic for their tender testimonies. Therefore, leadership at different levels could decide what and where to teach its members, as well as who might be the most knowledgeable and able to teach such sensitive matters.66. Elder David S. Baxter, a general authority of the Seventy, found the gospel at a critical time in his life. I became a pariah. Latter Day Saint practitioners of plural marriage It is also important to differentiate a man who was divorced and remarried before he became a Christian from a man who was divorced and remarried after becoming a Christian. Again, in 1952, President Uchtdorf's father opposed the communist East Germany, and it was no longer safe for his family to remain at their home in Zwickau. Finding Wholeness and Happiness after Divorce. Temples are some of the most beautiful places on earth, but the work that takes place inside of them is what makes them sacred. 9. We then have a duty to root out these cultural misinterpretations from our midst, lest they cause great spiritual mischief.55, Echoing the thought that belief in plural marriage as an eternal principle should be rooted out among Latter-day Saints were several faithful Latter-day Saints who actively discuss Church doctrine and history. Foster, Like Two Crazy Aunts in the Attic.. There was not, however, any mention of Brigham Youngs plural marriages. Even so, 12 other countries were represented, most from European countries.34, Over 47% of survey respondents heard about polygamy as a child while another 39% heard about it as teenagers, for a total of over 86% learning about plural marriage while in their childhood or youth. [Page 71]. Copy in authors possession. Brigham Young had a well publicized divorce. While there were a variety of ways people first learned about plural marriage, about 42% of respondents said they learned from their family.35. Some noted that they asked for a break because of the new demands they faced after their divorce. One convert, who joined at age 24, wasnt told about the Churchs polygamist past until after he was baptized. Divorce disqualifies a Priesthood holder from even being a Bishop, let alone a General Authority. Elder Oaks's mother worked hard for her family and cultivated that same work ethic in her children. If this is the only thing that is causing all this polygamy angst why not just accept that it is NOT a requirement to have multiple wives in heaven and let it go at that? In a message to divorced members, Dr. Swinton continues, If you have experienced divorce, don't beat yourself up or feel you are lesser in any way. Their third child, a baby girl, passed away at birth and their second child, a two-year-old boy, died six weeks later following a surgery to correct a congenital heart defect. However, LDS members can only have one living, legal spouse while on earth. When a couple legally divorce, the temple marriage/sealing is effectively nullified, because the couple is no longer together and do not wish to be. Missionaries should learn more about the history of plural marriage and then mention this in a faithful way before converts baptisms. WebMy Home Donations Temple Appointments Leader and Clerk Resources Missionary Portal Ward Directory and Map Calendar Meetinghouse Locator Notes Patriarchal Blessing All Tools. I thanked her and hung up, amazed at the extent of her embarrassment and effort to avoid the subject.31, This palpable discomfort with polygamy is shared by regular members of the Church. Indeed, some even try to dress like 19th-century Mormons, except in neo-pioneer style pastel dresses topped off with a bizarre hairstyle. By addressing difficult aspects of Church history like plural marriage in their childhood and youth, eventually an understanding of the historical practice of plural marriages would be commonplace among active adult members of the Church. [Page 45]Abstract: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintss uncomfortable relationship with its polygamous history is somewhat like an awkward marriage separation. WebFor Latter-day Saint children of divorce, questions like this can add to the sadness and uncertainty that divorce brings. 55. Relationships are really difficult. January 10, 2009 in LDS Gospel Discussion. I was sad to see that ward members and [ministering brothers and sisters] were so far down on the list of where support comes from, he says. The midwestern United States also had a good representation, as did Canada (especially western Canada). When I suggested to a volunteer at Church Hosting that we take the guests to the Beehive House, she immediately said, Oh you dont want to do that., I asked why not and she gave a nervous laugh and said, Well, you know., She gave another nervous laugh and repeated, You know. She continued, They might ask questions.. It isnt surprising that modern members are ignorant of Mormon plural marriage and the context in which it was practiced, since the LDS Church has, in many ways, downplayed and even ignored its own history. Questions & Answers: My parents were married in the temple, but now theyre divorced. Web(Photo: KUTV) (KUTV) At least six people are suing the daughter and son-in-law of Russell M. Nelson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is television shows and books like these that confuse non-Mormons. With the comforting doctrine that we can be sealed to our loved ones for eternity, divorce is a conclusion drawn with heavy hearts. Licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Jonathan Swinton of Salt Lake City, Utah, gives further insight on Latter-day Saint couples that seek counseling: Most respondents said they were active at the time of their divorce: Many continued to attend church after their divorce: Some shared why their participation decreased: The sisters of the ward blamed me for the divorce and told my girls that it was my fault. Conference Poster: The Generosity and Mercy of God, If my parents were sealed in the temple and then got divorced, which one am I sealed to? New Era, August 2015, 41. The place is easya Church setting in which accurate information may be taught in programs such as Primary, Sunday School, and Seminary. List of former or dissident Mormons - Wikipedia 24. Anti-Mormon literature has portrayed Smith as sneaking around behind unsuspecting husbands backs and seducing willing women. Im angry that they have broken up our family. What handbook are you referring to? When he was 15 years old, Elder Baxter says he looked back on the challenges his family faced in his younger yearsalcoholism, divorce, povertyall of the things he couldn't change in his past and decided, "I will change the futurefor myself and for the children I will someday have. 42. Claire, October 4, 2011. 28. Family Life Death, war, financial insecurity, divorce, Church inactivity, there are many circumstances that can shake a family to its core and try each family member's Increase and Maria Van Dusen published a series of tell all pamphlets about the temple ceremony and polygamy during the 1840s and early 1850s. How do I forgive them? In fact, some have left the Church specifically because of this issue. 68. The children in that marriage joined the lawsuit and allege their stepfather abused them. 22. An outspoken skeptic of the plurality of wives as an eternal principle is former BYU professor Valerie Hudson. Second, celestial polygamy seems to evince a degree of sexism in the Church and even Gods eternal plan. I know of no specific policy that forbids a divorced and remarried man from serving in any leadership capacity. We as friends, neighbors, ward members, [ministerers], family, etc., should show Christs love. Latter-day Saint Men and Divorce - The Church of Jesus Nevertheless, it remains a problem that is extremely difficult for some members to reconcile and even some of the most faithful Latter-day Saints remain troubled by it. They are in violation of the civil law. 7. However, the couple experienced tragedy about five years after their marriage. ), 63% continued going to church in the same ward, 16% continued going but went to a new ward, Many ward members avoided me like the plague because they simply didn't know what to say to me. Church policy, however, does have a preference to married men as bishops. That sounds [Page 52]like The Prime Directive in Star Trek.16 Is there any wonder a 2011 poll undertaken by a California polling company found that almost half of those polled thought Mormons either definitely or probably practice polygamy?17. In all my life I've never known of a Bishop who had been divorced. The two senior members of the Quorum of the Twelve were not general authorities when they became apostles. For more on this topic, check outFinding Wholeness and Happiness after Divorce. "He responded lovingly but firmly each time I pestered him: 'David, I am not going to join the Church for your mother, for you, or for anyone else. Answer. 58. The Church, of course, has no jurisdiction whatever in this matter.26, LDS Apostle M. Russell Ballard stated in a Semiannual General Conference session, Let me state clearly that no polygamist group, including those calling themselves Fundamentalist Mormons or other derivatives of our name, have any affiliation whatsoever with The Church of Jesus Christ [Page 56]of Latter-day Saints.27 LDS Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland was even more outspoken in referencing the fundamentalists, We havent practiced polygamy for over a centuryand its a little frustrating to have these fundamentalist groups resurface.28, Discomfort about the Churchs polygamous past is particularly noticeable in Church-produced literature and at Church-owned historical sites. One faithful Latter-day Saint wrote of his in-laws learning of Joseph Smiths polyandry, My [Page 63]mother-in-laws eyes bulged out.44 One woman who found out about Smiths polyandrous marriages, combined with other issues regarding Joseph Smith and Mormonism, declared she was done, done and DONE!! In fact, Elder Bednar said in his April 2012 general conference talk that some members in his ward did not know his father was not a member because he regularly attending Church meetings with his family and helped with various Church activities. a link to what.that shows all 12 are married to their spouse??? Is there somewhere i can look this up? 38. This is, in part, because of the fitful, painful cessation of plural marriage and the ever present reminders of its complicated past. The confusion and conflict began with the secrecy and prevarication of Joseph Smith when he revealed plural marriage to a trusted circle of the Nauvoo elite.4 Plural marriage was not openly practiced until after the Saints left Illinois and were safely ensconced in the Great Basin of the western United States. Church Participation. There were also several who identified themselves as fundamentalist Mormons of former LDS membership. Church leaders have discouraged speculationabout future apostles. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. The LDS believe: After the deaths of the Savior and His Apostles, men corrupted the principles of the gospel and made unauthorized changes in Church organization and priesthood ordinances. Divorce can be very stressful for years., Few things in life are as difficult as divorce, Dr. Swinton shares. I need you home to baptize me.". E-mail correspondence between [anonymous] and Craig L. Foster, August 7, 2012. For example, the Public Affairs Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has, over the years, issued a number of press releases explaining that the Church does not practice or allow plural marriage and has differentiated between the LDS Church and fundamentalist Mormons.25 There have also been comments by Church leaders. They need the healing power and hope that come from the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 47. However, some participants didnt have that same support system from their church friends. Dont judge; be supportive., [Give me] spiritual support. Why did he marry young teenagers, including 14-year-old Helen Mar Kimball, who had both parents and didnt want to be married?46. In preparation for this essay, I conducted an unscientific online survey of attitudes about plural marriage among current and former members of the LDS Church. The author would like to thank Suzanne L. Foster, Brian C. Hales, Laura Hales, and Gregory L. Smith for their help with this paper. I can't imagine a Seventy giving instruction that was inconsistent with Church policy. Then it should be emphasized that we no longer practice plural marriage. Im a Mormon, I know it, I live it and I love it. (You didn't see President Hinckley rushing off to get married after the death of his wife Marjorie, right?). True, many non-Mormons and even some members nervouslyor insensitivelyjoke about the plethora of plural wives in a suggestive way. Not surprisingly, many members have believed these unfortunate and mostly false accusations and stereotyping, in no small part because some historians have repeated and embraced them uncritically.8, Joseph Smiths involvement in so-called polyandrous marriages added to the image of him as a man with unbridled lust. He has also been a columnist for 8+ years in local small papers. LDS If my parents were sealed in the temple and then got Yes, she responded, relieved that I had understood at last. Of those who were aware, thirty percent had learned from a family member while almost ten percent learned from sources critical of the Church.39. Tertullian, Hilary, Epiphanius, Jerome, &c. The authority of these later Fathers is of course of little account. President Uchtdorf's family fled their home in Zwickau in East Germany to Frankfurtin West Germany. Church Policies and Guidelines