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Single Members of the Church

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have taught that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World,"Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). While this family unit is the ideal, many Church members find themselves in a variety of other circumstances. Some are not married, but have good support from their parents or siblings. Others may not have support from an extended family. The gospel of Jesus Christ was given by God to bless all His children, without exception, regardless of the family situations in which they find themselves. The gospel provides a brotherhood and sisterhood to strengthen and help all God's children.

Additional Information

Our Heavenly Father designed the gospel of Jesus Christ to help and strengthen families, and the family is central to His plan for His children. Each person on the earth is part of the great family of God the Father. Those who join the Church become part of another great fellowship, a true fellowship of brothers and sisters who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ.

In an address to single adult members of the Church, President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

"Because you do not happen to be married does not make you essentially different from others. All of us are very much alike in appearance and emotional responses, in our capacity to think, to reason, to be miserable, to be happy, to love and be loved.

"You are just as important as any others in the scheme of our Father in Heaven, and under His mercy no blessing to which you otherwise might be entitled will forever be withheld from you.

"You are precious and important to Him. You are precious and important to the Church. You are precious and important to all of us" ("To Single Adults,"Ensign, June 1989, 72).

Church Magazine Articles

  • "Belonging to a Ward Family"

    Robert D. Hales, Liahona, Mar. 1999, 10–14; or Ensign, Mar. 1996, 14–17
    The glorious message is that Heavenly Father and Jesus live and that they love each one of us as individuals.

  • "A Vision of What We Can Be"

    James E. Faust, Ensign, Mar. 1996, 10–13
    Please remember that we have all been single, are now single, or at some time again may be single; so being single in the Church is not so extraordinary.

  • " 'So Much to Live For' "

    Don L. Searle, Ensign, June 1993, 34–37
    Older widows and widowers find it takes strength to endure without their companions, but life still has much to offer.

  • "Singles Programs—What Makes Them Work?"

    Elizabeth VanDenBerghe, Ensign, Apr. 1991, 32–37
    Single Latter-day Saints everywhere seek opportunities to be with other singles who share their values.

  • "To Single Adults"

    Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, June 1989, 72–75
    Because you do not happen to be married does not make you essentially different from others.

  • "The Church Is for All People"

    Howard W. Hunter, Tambuli, Aug. 1990, 40–45; or Ensign, June 1989, 75–77
    The First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and the other leaders here at Church headquarters are mindful of you who are single. We constantly pray for your happiness and well-being.

  • "To My Single Friends"

    John K. Carmack, Tambuli, Nov. 1989, 32–37; or Ensign, Mar. 1989, 26–31
    No one road map serves every Latter-day Saint. But basic principles can successfully guide each individual.

  • "Comforted in My Distress"

    Colleen M. Pate, Liahona, Mar. 2004, 31–33; or Ensign, Mar. 2004, 13–15
    Following my divorce, my children and I found solace in simple gospel practices.

  • "In Good Company"

    Lisa Ann Jackson, Ensign, Oct. 2003, 34–39
    Young adulthood is a crucial time to seek out friends who make it easier to live the gospel.

  • "After Divorce: Help for Latter-day Saint Men"

    A. Dean Byrd, Ensign, Aug. 2003, 58–63
    Men face challenges after divorce that are not often discussed, but there is much they can do to find healing.

  • "Singular Living"

    Ensign, June 2003, 56–60
    Single members have much to offer the Church, and, conversely, the Church can bless their lives in numerous ways.

  • "Singles in the Ward Family"

    Kathy Grant, Ensign, June 2002, 44–48
    Both single and married Church members can take steps to help singles feel they genuinely belong in our wards.

  • "Singular Accomplishments"

    Jonathan H. Stephenson, Ensign, June 2001, 40–43
    Members and missionaries in the Lexington Kentucky Stake have found a formula for success in baptizing and friendshipping adults who are single.

  • "A Conversation with Single Adults"

    Gordon B. Hinckley, Liahona, Nov. 1997, 16–24; or Ensign, Mar. 1997, 58–63
    Never forget that there is something of divinity in each of you.

Additional Online Materials

  • "Single Adults"

    Encyclopedia of Mormonism
    (Please note that the contents of the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, a joint product of Brigham Young University and Macmillan Publishing Company, do not necessarily represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) 

  • "Single Members"

    From Serving in the Church