Divorced male members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are now required to obtain permission from the First Presidency before being sealed to a second wife.
The First Presidency sent a letter last week to stake presidents, bishops and branch presidents advising them of the new policy.The brief letter, dated Feb. 3, was titled "Divorce Clearance Procedure." Church leaders were instructed to read the letter in LDS sacrament meetings.
It says: "Effective immediately, a man who has been previously sealed and later divorced, who desires to be married and sealed in the temple must first obtain a clearance from the First Presi-den-cy.
"It is intended that this requirement will help to re-emphasize the significance and sacredness of the temple marriage covenants. Details regarding this matter have been communicated to stake and mission presidents."
Divorced LDS women long have been required to obtain a clearance from the First Presidency before being sealed to a second husband.
Church spokesman Don LeFevre had little comment on the letter. "This letter is an internal document. Those members of the church who are personally affected by the policy change and have questions are encouraged to talk to their local priesthood leaders," he said.