In the Reform Mormon ordinance for Blessing and Naming Newborns (see appendix 5), the parents make covenants with their infant child. In the following ordinance, children (age 16 or older) and their parents make covenants with one another, mutually sealing their relationship for time and eternity. The purpose of this ordinance is to strengthen the emotional and spiritual bond between children and parents.
This ordinance can also be performed for those who want to celebrate and honor their relationship with deceased parents, with friends or loved ones of their choosing standing in as proxies for their deceased parents. This ordinance is not performed for the salvation of the deceased parent because such ordinances are not required in Reform Mormonism. Instead, this ordinance is performed to emotionally and spiritually nurture the living.
Consistent with the early Mormon practice of Adoption Sealings, one may instead choose to be sealed as the child to parental figures who are biological relatives but have been loving and supportive – if they agree to the sealing.
As with all Reform Mormon ordinances, this Sealing can be performed in the home or any place chosen by those being sealed. Likewise, they can invite any Reform Mormon they wish to serve as the Priesthood Officiant. (See Appendix 1) The wording of the following ordinance can also be adapted to better fit the needs of those being sealed and their relationship.
The Ordinance
The Child and Parents kneel at the altar. One at a time, the Child and each Parent will join their right hands.
If the Child is being sealed to a deceased parent, a proxy may act on behalf of the deceased.
The Priesthood Officiant addresses the Child, reading or reciting the following question:
“Do you (child’s name) take (parent’s name) by the hand and accept (him/her) to be your (father/mother/parent) for time and all eternity according to the New and Everlasting Covenant; and do you do this in the presence of God, Angels and these witnesses of your own free will and choice?”
The Child replies, “I do.”
The Officiant continues to address the child, reading or reciting the following:
Then repeat after me the words of the Covenant:
“I, (child’s name) With a determination that is fixed, Immovable and unchanging, Accept you, (parent’s name), As my (father/mother/parent) In the bonds of love and thanksgiving forever; On this day, I am by covenant Your (son/daughter/child); Your forefathers and foremothers, From time immemorial, Whether in heaven or on earth, I accept as my own; And in my heart I will hold all of you in honor and remembrance Through all generations of time And throughout all eternity, Worlds without end, Amen.”
The Priesthood Officiant then addresses each Parent individually, one at a time, reading or reciting the following question:
“Do you (parent’s name)take (child’s name) by the hand and accept (him/her) unto yourself as your child for time and all eternity according to the New and Everlasting Covenant; and do you do this in the presence of God, Angels and these witnesses of your own free will and choice?”
The Parent replies, “I do.”
The Officiant continues to address the parent, reading or reciting the following: This is repeated for the second parent before continuing.)
Then repeat after me the words of the Covenant:
“I, (parent’s name), With a determination that is fixed, immovable, and unchanging, Give myself unto you, (child’s name) To be your (father/mother/parent) In the bonds of love and thanksgiving forever; On this day, I have, by covenant, begotten you: Blood of my blood, flesh of my flesh, My beloved child In whom I am well pleased. Health in the navel, Marrow in the bones, Strength in the sinews; The power in the Priesthood be upon me and my posterity For all generations of time And throughout all eternity, Worlds Without End, Amen.”
The above is repeated with each parent before continuing. When done, the Officiant raises the right arm to the square and reads or recites the following:
“I seal you, (child’s name), to your parents, (parents’ names), for time and all eternity according to the New and Everlasting Covenant.
May your hearts be turned to one another All the days of your lives, That through this covenant All the families of Earth might be blessed. May you enter Eternity Clothed with Celestial glory and eternal life, There to be reunited With all of your fathers and mothers Who came before you.
These blessings, along with all others pertaining to the New and Everlasting Covenant, I seal upon you now and throughout all eternity, Worlds Without End, Amen.”