I seem to remember that several years ago, there was a confrontation between Mormons and Jews regarding this posthumous baptizing of dead people, particularly those who were Jews. In fact, it may have been the baptism of Anne Frank which prompted this meeting. I also seem to remember that the Mormon Church agreed to tell their members not to submit the names of deceased Jews to their temple for “sealing” in the LDS Church. Does anyone else remember this?
Yup. I believe this formally kicked off in 1995.
I also seem to remember that the Mormon Church agreed to tell their members not to submit the names of deceased Jews to their temple for “sealing” in the LDS Church. Does anyone else remember this?
Yup. But some of the MOrmon grassroots didn't listen very well; and the Mormon church had little "policing" authority put in place on this.
You are right. We Mormons have been instructed to only baptize our own dead relatives. We are not to baptize any others.
The way this works, by the way, is very interesting, and spiritual for us. When a living person wishes to be baptized, they are baptized by full immersion “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost”. It’s beautiful. Baptizing for the dead is where someone stands in proxy for the dead person and is baptized “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost”. It’s very sacred and beautiful.
It’s OK if you don’t believe; but we do with all our hearts and wish to be left alone to practice our faith and give you the same opportunity. Thanks.
Every few years this comes up. Jews object, Mormons promise to quit doing it, things calm down for a few years and then the Mormons are back at it, baptizing dead Jews, who according to Mormons, are really gentiles, on and on and on.