Can I be sealed to two families?

[jclarkjones]

I was adopted as a baby and sealed to my parents shortly after. Through a series of miracles, I've been reunited with my biological family. My parents married shortly after I was born and joined the church. They've since been sealed in the temple and have had their children sealed to them as well, and we're wondering if I can be sealed to them. I've heard the anecdotal stories of "I know someone who knows someone that had this happen...." but looking for something a little more solid. Thoughts?

[russellhltn]

General Handbook 38.4.2.3
"Living children who are born in the covenant or have been sealed to parents cannot be sealed to any other parents without First Presidency approval."

I've never heard of it being done in your situation. The times I've heard of it happening is because the first family was abusive so the child did not want to be a part of them.

[BrianEdwards]

Additionally, I'd also point you to the general sealing policy instructions at the beginning of GHB 38.4. Along with the counsel that we can trust the Lord to work everything out relating to sealings, it also states that members should counsel with their Bishop if they have questions about sealing policies that are not answered in the Handbook. Your Bishop will have stewardship to help you in your specific and unique situation, and he can then discuss any questions he has with the Stake President for clarification.

[lajackson]

. . . looking for something a little more solid.

As BrianEdwards said, this would be a decision for the First Presidency to make. Your bishop and stake presidency will be able to help you understand how the ordinance of sealing to parents works. After you have discussed your situation with them, you and they will know whether or not there would be a need to ask the First Presidency for their input.

[johnshaw]

. . . looking for something a little more solid.

As BrianEdwards said, this would be a decision for the First Presidency to make. Your bishop and stake presidency will be able to help you understand how the ordinance of sealing to parents works. After you have discussed your situation with them, you and they will know whether or not there would be a need to ask the First Presidency for their input.

You have a lot more faith in Bishops than I do. This subject and the doctrine/theology behind it is very evasive. And it was said earlier, we don't really know but trust it'll all work out in the end (that isn't doctrine). I say go for it, ask your Bishop to follow the handbook and make an application to the 1st Presidency for you.

[BrianEdwards]

Regarding applications to the First Presidency, my limited awareness of their responses can be characterized as "concise" (others may term it as "terse" ). Point being, even if the response from the First Presidency is what's desired, there's unlikely to be enough "meat" in the response for other members to then anticipate how that decision might apply to a future scenario. And if the response is not what's desired, it's also unlikely to additionally include any theological underpinnings that would "explain" their decision, beyond what's already in the Handbook.

Just to set awareness for anyone starting along that process that may end up with a First Presidency petition. Definitely the right decision in many circumstances, but it's good to understand what type of response might be provided. Perhaps others have found a different experience, just sharing my perspective.

[lajackson]

You have a lot more faith in Bishops than I do. This subject and the doctrine/theology behind it is very evasive.

That is why bishops have stake presidents. And stake presidents are able to get the doctrine/theology from the First Presidency when needed to help them with their decisions.

[jclarkjones]

johnshaw wrote:
> [quote=lajackson post_id=246178 time=1701640050 user_id=2343]
> [quote=jclarkjones post_id=246161 time=1701621459 user_id=727080]
> . . . looking for something a little more solid.
> [/quote]
>
> As BrianEdwards said, this would be a decision for the First Presidency to
> make. Your bishop and stake presidency will be able to help you understand
> how the ordinance of sealing to parents works. After you have discussed
> your situation with them, you and they will know whether or not there would
> be a need to ask the First Presidency for their input.
> [/quote]
>
> You have a lot more faith in Bishops than I do. This subject and the
> doctrine/theology behind it is very evasive. And it was said earlier, we
> don't really know but trust it'll all work out in the end (that isn't
> doctrine). I say go for it, ask your Bishop to follow the handbook and make
> an application to the 1st Presidency for you.

Thanks John... and if this is the John Shaw from FH, UT then a bigger thanks and tell your family hello. I think I'll follow up with the Bishop/Stake Pres and see if I can get it front of the 1st Presidency. My adoptive parents are fantastic, and so are my biological parents. They were just too young, but now I have 3 amazing sisters and parents. It really feels like I've been away at school or something but have finally come home. Not a slight to my adoptive parents, just an awareness that our families are bigger than we can mortally understand. I'll give it a go with the Bishop and see what happens.

[vaimagalo2456]

I know it’s been about 2 years but have you gotten an answer? I’m currently in a similar situation and am looking for answers. Hope it all worked out for you tho