My girlfriend joined the church when she was 13 years old and stayed active until she was 19, but then she left. Shortly thereafter we began a 14-year relationship. Now she started going to the chapel again and told me she wants to get her endowment and to progress within the church. I am not a member. I wanted to ask, what exactly is an endowment and why will she need to use special undergarments? We're not married, but we live together. Is that going to be a problem? Thanks.
Hi Kiko. You can learn more about the endowment ceremony and the undergarments that some Mormons use on this very site. I think it's wonderful that your girlfriend wants to progress spiritually in the church! Spiritual improvement brings great joy. I hope you're excited that someone you love is making plans to improve her life. What a blessing!
Spiritual improvement inevitably brings life changes. You're right in thinking that one important change is marriage. Mormons believe that a man and woman who live together without being married are committing a sin. They need to apply the atonement of Jesus Christ so that they can repent of that sin. Part of the repentance process includes correcting sinful behavior; in your case, I recommend that the two of you get married, especially since you're already living as husband and wife anyway.
Mormon missionaries in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.
You may also wish to learn more about the church yourself. Why don't you invite the Mormon missionaries to visit with you in your home? It's a great blessing when a married couple is united in their faith. I know that the church has done a lot to help me strengthen my relationship with my wife. It could help you as well.
