LDS Singles Wards
The Indepent Mormon Movie Was Based on a Real Congregation Type
Because Mormons have to be married to achieve exaltation and reach the highest level of Heaven, it is not surprising that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages men and women to get married as soon as it is legally possible. Prospective couples are expected to postpone certain marital activities until after they get married, which the church prefers being in one of their temples, but the moral issues are covered elsewhere.
Singles Wards are a unique type of congregation where all the members of the ward are single and looking for an eternal companion. Because these congregations cater only to singles, other organizations that are part of most other LDS Wards.
What Happens at a Singles Ward
The services held during a Mormon Singles Ward differ little from the services held in the more common LDS churches. Sometimes these congregations are called “marriage mills,” because the intent is for the members to leave the ward through marriage. The membership of Singles Wards changes constantly. New members who are usually college age start attending to find their eternal companion, and longer term members return to their regular wards.
Singles Wards: Not the Independent Movie
The independent film Singles Ward parodied this unique type of Mormon congregation. The sound track contained many popular Mormon hymns and children songs. Neither the film nor its sound track attracted much attention of people who have no interest in Mormonism.
Areas that do not have a high Mormon population may not have Singles Wards. Instead, activities will be held by the local churches for the single members with the intent of getting men and women together. Providing special activities where unmarried members can meet while looking for a husband or wife is not unique to the Mormon church. Many other denominations do not offer special congregations that meet every week for unmarried members.
Whether LDS Singles meet in a special ward or activities provided for them does not change the intent. The Mormon church wants as many of its members as possible to get married. A Singles Ward achieves its goal when two members return to their regular ward after the couple gets married in a Mormon temple. After the wedding occurs, coupls can engage in marital activities safe in the knowledge that they are not committing a sin.
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