I broke the law of chastity and am now nine months pregnant. My boyfriend was a recent convert at the time, but now he tells me that he doesn’t want to be Mormon anymore. He’s antagonistic. He also doesn’t want our baby to be Mormon, and now even smokes. I don’t know what to do. My branch president said that if he ends up being a major obstacle to my spiritual progress, it’s better to leave him. Do you think I should leave him, or should I keep trying a little longer?
2 Responses to “Should I stay with my anti-Mormon boyfriend?”
Leonardo Castro
2015-05-10 19:24:23
The concept of a united family that lives and progresses forever is at the core of Latter-day Saint doctrine.
Hi sister. What a complicated situation. I'm sorry to hear that you're passing through this challenge. On one hand, a child is typically best served when its mother and father live together as a married couple. But there are obviously exceptions to this general rule. If one of the parents is a bad example, leading the family away from God and a happy life, sometimes it's better if the parents don't marry.
If you think your boyfriend might still change and come back to the church, perhaps it's worth continuing to try to help him. But if there's no chance, I'd tend to agree with your branch president.
If you choose not to marry, that doesn't mean your boyfriend no longer has any responsibilities to your child. He is just as much the parent as you are, and he should act as one. That means financial support for your child. That means frequent visits and, if appropriate, shared custody. No parent should ever abandon his or her child.
I hope this answer helps. God be with you through these challenges.
Beth Mayne
2015-06-24 16:45:36
Through prayer, we can communicate with our Heavenly Father. He’s anxious to guide and help us.
Hi there!
I'm sure you really feel confused about all of this. But the gospel is such an incredible blessing! There will be so much support for you and your child, especially from Relief Society, the Young Women and your Bishop/Branch President. It may be a good idea to leave your boyfriend if you want to stay strong in the church and If you want your child in the church. Pray about It with a lot of faith and a sincere heart. I hope you make the decision that's right for you and your child. We're all here for you
If you think your boyfriend might still change and come back to the church, perhaps it's worth continuing to try to help him. But if there's no chance, I'd tend to agree with your branch president.
If you choose not to marry, that doesn't mean your boyfriend no longer has any responsibilities to your child. He is just as much the parent as you are, and he should act as one. That means financial support for your child. That means frequent visits and, if appropriate, shared custody. No parent should ever abandon his or her child.
I hope this answer helps. God be with you through these challenges.
I'm sure you really feel confused about all of this. But the gospel is such an incredible blessing! There will be so much support for you and your child, especially from Relief Society, the Young Women and your Bishop/Branch President. It may be a good idea to leave your boyfriend if you want to stay strong in the church and If you want your child in the church. Pray about It with a lot of faith and a sincere heart. I hope you make the decision that's right for you and your child. We're all here for you