My son and his wife “resigned” from the church. He was an elder and a returned missionary. They were not married in the temple. What is the process to return to membership? Will their membership or future progress be limited having had resigned from the church? My understanding is that since they sent letters of resignation in and were not “excommunicated” the process is different. In what way? Thanks
2 Responses to “My son and his wife “resigned” from the church. He was an el…”
Richard
2009-08-12 04:55:08
It sounds like your son and his spouse just sent in letters, I wouldn't even know to who, and informed them they were leaving the church. That is not an excomunication at all, but they are using their free agency to choose as they will in this life. I can't imagine the pain you are feeling, but I can tell you that the best thing to do is simply pray... A lot.. For your son. I never actually sent in a letter to inform the church that I was leaving, but I did leave for a very long time. Yes I went through a lot of pain and a lot of bad choices, but as God counseled Joseph in Liberty Jail, recorded in D&C 122:7-9, those pains and hardships are now and have been for my good and experience. For probably 12 years my mother and sisters especially were praying for me, even putting my name in the temple I am told, and it took a long time (20 years), but I am back in the church and I know my Savior better now then I ever did back then. I also know the truth of this church, Joseph Smith's divine calling, and so much more insight now on life, that I probably wouldn't have had without all those trials.
I can tell you that God the Father and his son, Jesus are very aware of your son and what he has chosen and what he is going to go through. I can also tell you that God our father, he being your son's father before you, is just as concerned for the safety and sake of your boy and his new spouse.
Pray, fast, pray some more, fast some more, involve other members of your family and ward family and plead with our Father in Heaven to show mercy and give his guidence of goodness for and toward your son. Know also that God knows the correct way and that in asking for his help, he may go about reclaiming your son in ways that might be confusing to you. Trust that God knows what he is doing and just tell your son you love him and invite him to church activities as appropriate and as much as you are able. God, if you ask him in faith (over a long time if needed), will answer your prayer and all will be well again.
God bless you in this time of trial. Christ has overcome all so he can help you as well as your son, know that and walk forward in faith.
Webmaster de AllAboutMormons.com
2009-08-16 22:00:22
Hi Concerned Father,
I'm very sorry hear that your son and his wife have left the Church. I've recently received several questions from people who asked to have their names removed and subsequently wanted to return to the Church. You can read their questions here and here.
Based on the answers given to their questions, I believe rebaptism is required for those who want to return to the Church after having their names removed. Hope that helps.
I can tell you that God the Father and his son, Jesus are very aware of your son and what he has chosen and what he is going to go through. I can also tell you that God our father, he being your son's father before you, is just as concerned for the safety and sake of your boy and his new spouse.
Pray, fast, pray some more, fast some more, involve other members of your family and ward family and plead with our Father in Heaven to show mercy and give his guidence of goodness for and toward your son. Know also that God knows the correct way and that in asking for his help, he may go about reclaiming your son in ways that might be confusing to you. Trust that God knows what he is doing and just tell your son you love him and invite him to church activities as appropriate and as much as you are able. God, if you ask him in faith (over a long time if needed), will answer your prayer and all will be well again.
God bless you in this time of trial. Christ has overcome all so he can help you as well as your son, know that and walk forward in faith.
I'm very sorry hear that your son and his wife have left the Church. I've recently received several questions from people who asked to have their names removed and subsequently wanted to return to the Church. You can read their questions here and here.
Based on the answers given to their questions, I believe rebaptism is required for those who want to return to the Church after having their names removed. Hope that helps.