Has there been a change in policy regarding sealings?
My understanding has always been that I cannot perform sealings for my ancestors unless all of their individual ordinances have been completed (and all of their parents' individual ordinances if doing sealing to parents). Has this changed? Can I perform the sealings if the individual's ordinances are not complete? I read a help topic on family search that it is allowed, and I noticed when we recently used the 'Ordinances Ready' tool, that the individual ordinances had not been completed, but the sealing ordinances were given to us to do. I have so many sealings I have been waiting and waiting to do because they are males and I am a single sister and struggling to find help to get their individual ordinances done. This possibility is exciting, but I want to make sure I am doing it right! Help!?
Answers
-
Jessica
Welcome to the "Community.FamilySearch" Forum.
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
[ And, I happen to be a Member of the Church ... ]
Short Answer: 'No', there has been NO "Change" in "Policy".
The preference; and, recommendation, remains, to do the "Temple" Work in "Order".
But ,,,
That Said ...
NOTHING is PERFECT ...
Things, DO NOT always, go to, 'plan' (or, follow, the 'script') ...
There are EXCEPTIONS to EVERY "Rule" ...
And, "Sealing to Parents"; &, "Sealing to Spouse", can fall under that; which, can sometimes be, an EXCEPTION.
Please let me explain ...
This is an ongoing dilemma, for many Members of the Church.
The matter, has been canvased, on numerous occasions, in the various 'iterations' for the 'FamilySearch' Forums.
One does not really have to be too concerned ...
We have been advised, that regardless if "Ordinances" are done 'Out of Sequence', not to worry; as, those "Ordinances" that are done 'Out of Sequence' simply DO NOT take effect, UNTIL the prerequisite "Ordinances" are "Completed".
And, most importantly ...
"Ordinances" that are done 'Out of Sequence' DO NOT have to be done again; as, they are STILL "Valid".
Here are some "Knowledge Articles" in 'FamilySearch':
Ordinances performed out of order
https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/ordinances-performed-out-of-order
Which states, among other things:
Quote
------------------
Vicarious ordinances performed out of sequence are valid, but they become effective only after the prerequisite ordinances are completed.
------------------
And ...
Correct order of temple ordinances
https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/correct-order-of-temple-ordinances
Which states, among other things:
Quote
------------------
Although vicarious ordinances performed out of sequence are valid, they become effective only after the prerequisite ordinances are completed.
------------------
And ...
Of course ...
Why are the temple ordinance dates out of order in Family Tree?
Where it states, among other things:
Quote
------------------
- The ordinances were inadvertently or intentionally performed out of order in error.
------------------
Plus ...
Most IMPORTANTLY ...
In one of the aforementioned "Knowledge Article":
Ordinances performed out of order
https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/ordinances-performed-out-of-order
Which states, among other things:
Quote
------------------
It is preferable to have the ordinances done in sequence
[ Note: The Words ... It is preferable ]
------------------
And ...
In the other of the aforementioned "Knowledge Article":
Correct order of temple ordinances
https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/correct-order-of-temple-ordinances
It also states, among other things:
Quote
------------------
Which used to read:
- Sealing of a husband and wife and sealing of children to parents (if possible). Whenever possible, parents should be sealed to each other before the children are sealed to the parents.
[ Note: The Words ... Whenever possible ]
But, now reads:
- It is preferred that sealings be done after individual ordinances, but it is not required. Family Tree does not enforce the order of sealings for deceased persons. A deceased couple can be sealed before their individual ordinances are done. Likewise, a deceased child can be sealed to deceased parents before the parents are sealed and before the parents’ individual ordinances are done.
[ Note: The improvement ... ]
[ And, once again ... ]
Although vicarious ordinances performed out of sequence are valid, they become effective only after the prerequisite ordinances are completed.
------------------
Now ...
All That Said ...
Here is a reference, specifically about "OrdinancesReay", regarding "Sealing to Spouse".
"Knowledge Article", in 'FamilySearch':
How do I find family names for the temple with Ordinances Ready?
It also states, among other things:
Quote
------------------
Before you start
...
Notes:
...
- Ordinances Ready does not determine if pre-requisite ordinances have been completed when sealing-to-spouse ordinances are requested. Please ensure that baptism, initiatory and endowment have been completed for each individual before proceeding with a sealing ordinance.
------------------
So ...
That Said ...
Really ...
The choice is yours ...
In regards to "OrdinancesReady" ...
As, to whether or not, you proceed, with the "Ordinances", that you received through "OrdinancesReady".
And ...
Most importantly ...
Unfortunately ...
In this day and age, it appears that many Users/Patrons, consider that "OrdinancesReady" is the way to go; as, "OrdinancesReady" is such, a quick; and, easy, process.
We never had, "OrdinancesReady" up until a few Years ago.
Please be aware that the "OrdinancesReady" feature/function/facility is ONLY, really, for a quick; and, easy, process of, FINDING; and, PRINTING, the "Temple" Cards, when one is going to visit the "Temple", that day or the next, when one DOES NOT have ANY "Temple" Cards, 'on-hand', available.
The "OrdinancesReady" feature/function/facility is certainly NO substitute, for doing one's due diligence, well IN ADVANCE of visiting the "Temple" of, FINDING; and, PRINTING, the "Temple" Cards, for one's Ancestors, to have 'on-hand', available.
Plus ...
As an aside ...
Remember, that the "Temple" Work, of "Sealing to Parents", relates to the Child; and, NOT, the to Parents.
So ...
That Said ...
Regardless, of the status, of "Temple" Work, of the Parents, the "Sealing to Parents", for a Child, CAN be undertaken.
I know that this might not give you comfort and address your concerns; but, I hope that this gives you some, insight; and, more perspective.
Brett
0
