'A Welding Link of Some Kind': A Minimalist Theology of Same-Sex Marriage Sealings

Abstract

This is a theological essay that explores the possibility of same-sex marriage sealings within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sealings refer to rituals in Latter-day Saint temples that marry couples "for time and eternity." This essay canvases the history of Latter-day Saint sealing rules and practices and argues that when viewed in their entirety, it is difficult to map these practices on to a particular model of family structure. Based on teachings by Church founder Joseph Smith, the essay offers a theological account of sealing practices that seeks to account for their historical totality. It then argues that within this broader vision, same-sex marriage sealings could be consistent with Latter-day Saint theology.

Keywords: marriage, theology, LDS temples, same-sex marriage, Mormonism, sealings