Understanding Temple Sealings and the Unsealing Process in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as Mormons, temple sealings are a sacred and profound aspect of their faith. These sealings bind families together for eternity, a belief central to their understanding of eternal families and life beyond death. However, in rare and specific circumstances, individuals may seek to have a sealing "unsealed." This article aims to provide a detailed and specific explanation of what this process entails, why it might be considered, and what the implications are, written for the average American reader.
What is a Temple Sealing?
Before delving into unsealing, it's crucial to understand what a sealing is. In the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, specific ceremonies are performed that are believed to have eternal significance. A sealing ceremony is one such ordinance. It involves the eternal union of a husband and wife, and subsequently, the sealing of their children to them. This ordinance is based on the belief that families can be together forever, not just in this life but in the life to come, with God.
A sealing is performed by individuals who hold the priesthood authority, and it is considered an irrevocable covenant made between the individuals and God. The core belief is that these bonds transcend death, allowing eternal family relationships to continue.
Why Would Someone Seek to Be Unsealed?
The decision to seek an unsealing is not taken lightly. It is a complex and deeply personal matter, often arising from significant life events or changes in marital status. The most common reasons for seeking an unsealing include:
- Divorce: When a couple who has been sealed in the temple divorces, the eternal bond of the sealing remains intact according to Church doctrine. However, if one or both individuals wish to remarry in the temple to new partners, the prior sealing must be annulled.
- Remarriage: If a divorced individual wishes to remarry in the temple, they must obtain an unsealing of their previous temple sealing before the new sealing can be performed.
- Specific Personal or Spiritual Reasons: While less common, there might be other deeply personal or spiritual reasons a member might petition for an unsealing. These are usually addressed on a case-by-case basis and require significant spiritual consideration and counsel.
The Process of Getting Unsealed
The process of getting unsealed is a formal one within the Church hierarchy and is not a casual request. It involves several steps and requires careful consideration and approval:
Step 1: Seeking Personal Counsel
The first and most crucial step for an individual contemplating an unsealing is to seek personal counsel. This typically involves discussions with their:
- Bishop: The local congregational leader.
- Stake President: The leader of a group of congregations (stakes).
These leaders play a vital role in guiding members through difficult decisions. They will help the individual understand the doctrines related to temple sealings, the implications of an unsealing, and the seriousness of the request. They will also assess the individual's sincerity and the validity of their reasons.
Step 2: Submitting a Petition
If, after receiving counsel, the individual still feels strongly that an unsealing is necessary, they will formally submit a petition. This petition is typically submitted through their bishop to the First Presidency of the Church. The petition will outline:
- The names of the individuals involved in the original sealing.
- The date and location of the original sealing.
- The specific reasons for requesting the unsealing.
- Confirmation that all necessary legal proceedings (like divorce) have been completed, if applicable.
Step 3: Review and Decision by the First Presidency
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the ultimate authority to grant or deny requests for unsealings. This review process is thorough and considers all aspects of the request.
The First Presidency will carefully examine the petition, the recommendations from the local leadership, and the spiritual and practical implications of the unsealing. This decision is considered a spiritual matter, and the First Presidency relies on inspiration and divine guidance in making their determination.
Step 4: Notification of Decision
Once a decision is made by the First Presidency, the individual will be notified. If the unsealing is granted, the notation will be made in the Church's records. If the request is denied, the individuals are counseled to accept the decision and continue to live according to their covenants.
Implications of an Unsealing
An unsealing has significant implications for all parties involved:
- For the Divorced Individual: If an unsealing is granted due to divorce, it effectively severs the eternal bond of that specific sealing. This allows the individual to be sealed to a new spouse in the temple, forming a new eternal family unit.
- For the Previous Spouse: The unsealing also affects the previous spouse. If they also wish to remarry in the temple, they would need to have their side of the sealing unsealed as well.
- For Children: Children sealed to a couple are sealed to both parents. If parents are unsealed from each other, the eternal sealing of the children to that union is also severed. This means children can then be sealed to a remarried parent and their new spouse, or if the children are deceased, they will be sealed appropriately based on the circumstances and the decisions of the living.
- Eternal Perspective: The unsealing is not seen as a failure but rather a necessary step to allow for new eternal bonds to be formed in accordance with God's will for individuals who have experienced a dissolution of a prior sealing. It's understood that God's plan is one of love and mercy, allowing for these adjustments.
It is important to note that an unsealing is a rare occurrence. The Church emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of temple sealings and encourages members to work through marital challenges. However, when circumstances necessitate it, the Church provides a process for individuals to seek relief and continue their eternal journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does a divorce affect a temple sealing?
According to the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a temple sealing is considered an eternal covenant that is not automatically dissolved by civil divorce. The sealing bond between spouses remains intact even after a divorce. If either or both individuals wish to remarry in the temple to a new spouse, the previous sealing must be formally unsealed.
Why is the First Presidency involved in unsealings?
The First Presidency, as the highest presiding authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holds the ultimate authority for all temple ordinances. Temple sealings are considered sacred and eternal covenants, and therefore, any petition to annul or unseal such a covenant is reserved for their review and decision, believed to be guided by divine inspiration.
What happens if someone remarries without getting unsealed?
If a couple is sealed in the temple and later divorces, and one or both individuals remarry in the temple without obtaining an unsealing of their prior sealing, the new sealing is not considered valid in the eternal sense. The prior eternal bond would still exist. This is why the unsealing process is a necessary prerequisite for temple remarriage after a divorce.
Does an unsealing mean the previous marriage was a mistake?
Not necessarily. An unsealing is a procedural step to allow individuals to move forward in their eternal progression, often in new marital relationships, after the dissolution of a prior sealing. It acknowledges that circumstances change and that individuals may need to form new eternal bonds. It is not viewed as a judgment on the previous marriage but rather as a means to facilitate continued eternal family connections within God's plan.
