What are some valid reasons to cancel a sealing? I was sealed in 2003, but I got divorced in 2006 for various reasons. Afterwards, I distanced myself a bit from the church, but I want to come back. I’d honestly love to find a worthy priesthood holder and to have my first sealing canceled so I can be sealed again. Thanks for all your help.
2 Responses to “What are some valid reasons for canceling a sealing?”
Samuel Santana
2013-08-18 18:20:57
Hi sister. It's excellent you want to come back to the church! Being an active Mormon brings many spiritual blessings. I don't know where I'd be in life without my participation in this wonderful church. I encourage you to talk with your bishop and also with the missionaries to get some help returning to full church activity.
Since the sealing ordinance is so important, it isn't cancelled automatically when a couple divorces. Usually, a sealing is only cancelled when one of the parties is ready to remarry. I don't know many of the details, but I've heard it can be a lengthy process that requires the authorization of the First Presidency.
However, because you're divorced, you're free to look for a new companion. In this sense, a sealing is different than a marriage. Members of the church shouldn't date until their divorces are finalized, but they don't need to wait for their sealings to be canceled. I hope this answer helps.
Pamela Bonta
2014-04-11 14:58:08
Marriage and sealing are two different topics. The process is actually fairly simple, but can take some time. Meet with your bishop. He will ask you to fill out a form and attach a letter detailing why you want the previous sealing cancelled. If there are no children from the first marriage, it is usually a very straightforward process. If there are children, it can take longer, particularly if the previous spouse is a worthy member and does not agree to the cancellation. Either way, the Lord's disciples make the final call, and everything will work out in the end. For example, my daughter's father is not a member and is very hostile toward the Church, and therefore I am not sealed to her. My husband and I are sealed. But this is his second marriage, so I am not sealed to *his* daughter. And I was in the process of adopting a little girl who I had cared for for several months when she suddenly died. Surely a loving Heavenly Father will have things worked out so that I get to be with *all* my children in the hereafter.
Since the sealing ordinance is so important, it isn't cancelled automatically when a couple divorces. Usually, a sealing is only cancelled when one of the parties is ready to remarry. I don't know many of the details, but I've heard it can be a lengthy process that requires the authorization of the First Presidency.
However, because you're divorced, you're free to look for a new companion. In this sense, a sealing is different than a marriage. Members of the church shouldn't date until their divorces are finalized, but they don't need to wait for their sealings to be canceled. I hope this answer helps.