Hi! I’m a member because I was baptized as a child when I was nine years old. When I turned 16 I left the church and came to the United States. Here I met my partner. We had plans to return to Mexico to be married, but things got complicated, and we never returned. Consequently, as the years went by we were never legally married. Now after 13 years we have four children and, even though we’ve had some problems, we’re still together. We’ve always considered ourselves to be married since we have a serious relationship. I’ve just returned to the church, but they told me that since I’m not married, I can’t take the sacrament. This hurt me a little bit because even though I’m not legally married, my partner is the only man I’ve ever been with and he’s the father of my four children. Why is it so necessary to sign a paper when I’m already in a committed relationship?
One Response to “Hi! I’m a member because I was baptized as a child when I w…”
Carlos Silva
2010-07-10 21:05:15
Hi friend. I'm happy you've decided to return to the Church. I realize that your marital status has complicated things a bit, but don't give up! Your life will be richly blessed by your faithful church membership if you're patient and perseverant. You may not be able to take the sacrament right now, but you can still attend Church meetings and learn and grow closer to Jesus Christ.
I can tell your relationship with your partner is strong. That's excellent, especially since you have children. However, living together, even in a committed relationship, is not the same thing as marriage. Children deserve to have parents that are legally married to each other. That marriage is a symbol of their true commitment to each other. Furthermore, one of the Church's central teachings is: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." It's easy to understand, then, why the church insists on legal marriage.
Thankfully, because you and your partner are already clearly committed to each other, as evidenced by four children and a relationship that's lasted 13 years, I'm sure you're both willing to honor your commitment with a legal marriage. If I were you, I wouldn't worry about throwing a fancy party or inviting guests at this point. A simple, private ceremony will suffice. Your bishop or branch president could even marry you if you like.
May God bless you, sister, as you take this important step in your life. The richest blessings I've had in my life have come through my Church membership. I'm excited for you to receive these same blessings! It's definitely worth the effort!
I can tell your relationship with your partner is strong. That's excellent, especially since you have children. However, living together, even in a committed relationship, is not the same thing as marriage. Children deserve to have parents that are legally married to each other. That marriage is a symbol of their true commitment to each other. Furthermore, one of the Church's central teachings is: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." It's easy to understand, then, why the church insists on legal marriage.
Thankfully, because you and your partner are already clearly committed to each other, as evidenced by four children and a relationship that's lasted 13 years, I'm sure you're both willing to honor your commitment with a legal marriage. If I were you, I wouldn't worry about throwing a fancy party or inviting guests at this point. A simple, private ceremony will suffice. Your bishop or branch president could even marry you if you like.
May God bless you, sister, as you take this important step in your life. The richest blessings I've had in my life have come through my Church membership. I'm excited for you to receive these same blessings! It's definitely worth the effort!