Is it OK for a person who is going through a divorce to attend a Singles Ward in the Mormon Church?

Question

Hi Gramps,

I have a Mormon friend that is going through a divorce. She is now attending a singles ward. Is this right? She says that her divorce is still in the works (not final) but what if she started dating again or participating in activities as a single member even though she isn’t officially “single”. what is the church’s view on this type of circumstance?

Angie

Answer

Dear Angie,

Of course I can’t speak for the Mormon Church, but I can certainly give you my opinion. Until a divorce is final the couple are still married, and are bound by all the legality and morality of a married couple. One must assume that she is attending a singles ward with the expectation of developing a new alliance. If this is so, your friend is really jumping the gun and is heading for a world of hurt.

I have no idea what is the reason for the divorce action, nor who is suing whom. If she is not at fault in the domestic altercation, she would certainly come to be at fault if she violated in any way her marriage vows before they were annulled by legal action.

Gramps