Yes. The Way Church of Illumination (TWCI) recognizes and honors both monogamous marriage and voluntary plural sacred marriage as holy and blessed covenants before Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

We believe that both forms of marriage can provide beautiful and meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth, lasting companionship, personal fulfillment, and a deeper relationship with Heavenly Father. Whether a marriage is monogamous or plural, its sacredness is demonstrated through the love, faithfulness, integrity, compassion, and devotion of those who participate in it.

We believe the Hebrew Scriptures recognize plural marriage and that the New Testament does not explicitly establish a universal prohibition against faithful plural covenants. Through careful examination of biblical history, ancient Jewish traditions, and the historical circumstances surrounding early Christianity, TWCI understands the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul within their broader historical and cultural contexts and does not interpret them as abolishing plural marriage.

We believe Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit welcome and bless both monogamous and plural sacred marriages when they are faithfully practiced according to principles of righteousness, love, equality, mutual respect, and devotion.

At TWCI, marriage is more than a union between individuals. It is a sacred spiritual journey that provides opportunities to develop greater humility, patience, wisdom, forgiveness, compassion, emotional maturity, and Christlike love.

We believe that those who faithfully honor their sacred marriage covenants may receive abundant blessings from Heavenly Father through the lessons learned, the sacrifices made, and the love shared throughout their lives.

Plural sacred marriage, because of its additional relationships and responsibilities, may offer distinctive and potentially greater opportunities for spiritual development. We believe these experiences can teach profound lessons in selflessness, understanding, communication, fairness, shared responsibility, and unconditional love. Through faithfully applying these lessons, individuals may experience meaningful spiritual transformation and draw closer to Heavenly Father.

TWCI further believes that plural sacred marriage represents one of the most profound and demanding holy covenants that consenting adults may voluntarily undertake. Those who faithfully embrace this sacred path and fulfill its extraordinary obligations with righteousness, humility, patience, sacrifice, and unwavering love may receive abundant spiritual blessings from Heavenly Father.

We believe these blessings extend far beyond the individuals entering the covenant. Through the continual lessons Heavenly Father provides, the entire family may experience immeasurable spiritual growth, developing deeper bonds of love, greater wisdom, stronger unity, and an increasingly Christlike spirit within the household.

We believe that those who faithfully fulfill the sacred obligations of plural marriage may grow exceptionally close to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father through the blessings, spiritual refinement, and profound lessons that accompany this extraordinary covenant. The magnitude of its responsibilities offers exceptional opportunities to overcome selfishness, develop unconditional love, strengthen faith, and cultivate spiritual qualities that can transform the lives of every family member.

In this way, TWCI regards faithful plural sacred marriage not simply as an alternative family structure, but as a most holy and sacred undertaking through which Heavenly Father may bestow extraordinary blessings and guide an entire family toward greater spiritual illumination.

However, we do not believe that plural marriage automatically makes an individual more righteous, spiritually worthy, or deserving of Heavenly Father's blessings than someone in a monogamous marriage. Both paths can be holy, deeply rewarding, and spiritually fulfilling when lived according to Christian principles.

Our Highest Responsibilities: Consent, Equality, Family & Children

Above all, TWCI teaches that the safety, dignity, equality, informed consent, and physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of every family member are sacred responsibilities that must never be compromised.

Every adult entering a marriage covenant must do so freely, without coercion, manipulation, intimidation, or pressure. Each person deserves equal dignity, consideration, respect, and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting the household. These principles apply to both monogamous and plural marriages.

The protection, happiness, and well-being of children must always come first. We believe every child deserves:

• A loving, compassionate, peaceful, and secure home where they feel valued, protected, and cherished.

• Adequate nutritious food, appropriate clothing, safe housing, medical care, and the necessities of daily life.

• Quality education, intellectual encouragement, and opportunities to develop their individual talents, interests, and abilities.

• Emotional stability, patient guidance, affection, and healthy relationships with responsible caregivers.

• Equal treatment, fairness, and protection from favoritism, neglect, exploitation, abuse, or discrimination.

• An atmosphere of understanding, kindness, laughter, joy, happiness, and mutual respect that encourages healthy spiritual and personal development.

We believe that providing these necessities is not optional or secondary to religious practice. The responsibility to protect, nurture, educate, and provide for children takes precedence over the desire to enter into or expand any marriage covenant.

A household should never grow beyond its ability to provide adequate care, financial stability, emotional support, and a safe, loving environment for everyone involved.

We also believe that the spiritual and emotional growth of adults is essential to maintaining a healthy family. Marriage requires ongoing communication, honesty, personal accountability, mutual support, and a willingness to resolve disagreements with patience and understanding.

A sacred marriage should be a home of peace, harmony, devotion, equality, joy, and happiness—not a place of fear, domination, competition, or unequal treatment.

Plural sacred marriage is entirely voluntary and appropriate only for mature, consenting adults who understand its exceptional responsibilities and are prepared to uphold these principles. All participants must respect applicable civil laws, and every individual must retain freedom of conscience and the right to leave a relationship.

Plural marriage is never required for salvation, membership, or spiritual acceptance within TWCI. We equally honor monogamous marriage as a sacred and blessed covenant capable of bringing profound spiritual fulfillment and Heavenly Father's blessings.

Ultimately, we believe the true measure of any marriage is not the number of individuals within it, but the love, righteousness, integrity, equality, compassion, and spiritual growth demonstrated in the lives of its members.

At The Way Church of Illumination, we believe that when marriage is founded upon genuine love, freely given consent, equality, faithfulness, and the well-being of the entire family, it can become a beautiful and sacred journey through which Heavenly Father teaches us profound lessons, strengthens our character, and blesses our lives with greater wisdom, understanding, peace, and Christlike love.

For those who faithfully undertake the extraordinary responsibilities of plural sacred marriage, we believe these blessings may be especially profound, with opportunities for spiritual growth that are immeasurable and a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father that enriches the entire family.

For a more comprehensive biblical and historical explanation, we invite visitors to explore our Sacred Marriage & Plural Covenants teachings.

At The Way Church of Illumination (TWCI), we believe the family is one of Heavenly Father's most precious blessings and that raising children is among the most sacred responsibilities entrusted to parents and caregivers.

We believe every family should be built upon love, peace, harmony, equality, compassion, mutual respect, and devotion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. A home should be a place where every family member feels safe, valued, understood, supported, and genuinely loved.

Whether a family is established through monogamous marriage or a voluntary plural sacred covenant, TWCI teaches that the responsibilities of parenthood remain the same. The safety, protection, happiness, education, and physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of children must always come first, above personal desires or additional marital commitments.

Providing a Safe, Loving, and Nurturing Home

We believe every child deserves to grow up in an environment filled with kindness, patience, encouragement, understanding, laughter, joy, and happiness.

Parents and caregivers have a sacred responsibility to provide:

• Love, safety, and emotional security: A peaceful and compassionate home where children are protected from abuse, neglect, intimidation, favoritism, and unnecessary conflict.

• Proper nutrition and physical care: Wholesome food, adequate clothing, safe housing, medical care, proper hygiene, physical activity, and sufficient rest.

• Quality education and intellectual development: Access to education, encouragement toward higher learning, scientific understanding, critical thinking, creativity, and opportunities to develop individual talents and abilities.

• Spiritual and moral guidance: Teaching children the principles of Jesus Christ, including honesty, integrity, humility, compassion, forgiveness, responsibility, and respect for others.

• Equality and individual dignity: Ensuring that every child is treated with fairness, love, and consideration, regardless of gender, personality, abilities, or family circumstances.

• Healthy emotional development: Providing affection, patient communication, positive encouragement, age-appropriate guidance, and the freedom to express feelings and ask sincere questions.

We believe no child should ever feel less loved, less important, or less deserving of care because of the structure or size of their family. Every child deserves individual attention, emotional stability, and meaningful relationships with those responsible for their upbringing.

Education, Knowledge, and Spiritual Development

TWCI places exceptional importance on education as a fundamental responsibility of parenthood.

We encourage families to provide children with the strongest educational opportunities reasonably available, including academic learning, higher education, skilled trades, professional development, scientific inquiry, historical understanding, and independent thinking.

We believe that as children grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, they gain greater opportunities to appreciate Heavenly Father's creation, develop their abilities, and become closer to Him through the responsible use of what they learn.

Education should prepare children not only to become self-sufficient and capable adults but also to become thoughtful, compassionate individuals who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and help those in need.

As Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) teaches:

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

We understand this responsibility to include setting a positive example, encouraging sound judgment, nurturing curiosity, and helping children develop a lifelong appreciation for learning and spiritual growth.

Equality, Responsibility, and Family Unity

We believe strong families are built through shared responsibilities, mutual respect, open communication, and the willingness of adults to place the needs of children ahead of their own preferences.

Within both monogamous and plural sacred marriages, parents and caregivers are expected to demonstrate high moral integrity, emotional maturity, patience, faithfulness, fairness, and personal accountability.

In plural sacred households, these responsibilities are especially significant. The additional relationships and obligations must never diminish the attention, resources, affection, education, or emotional support provided to any child.

We teach that a family should never expand beyond its ability to provide adequately for the physical, financial, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of every member.

Children must never be made responsible for adult marital disagreements or pressured to accept unequal treatment. Their safety, dignity, and developmental needs must remain paramount.

Raising Children to Become Compassionate and Responsible Adults

At TWCI, we believe parents should strive to raise children who demonstrate strong moral character, honesty, kindness, self-discipline, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

We encourage families to teach children the importance of helping their communities, showing compassion toward those experiencing hardship, respecting the elderly, and extending assistance to widows, orphans, the vulnerable, and people in need.

James 1:27 reminds us of the importance of caring for the fatherless and widows in their affliction. We believe this principle should be demonstrated through the daily actions and example of parents and caregivers.

Children should learn that genuine faith is expressed not only through worship and prayer but also through generosity, responsible conduct, service, and love for humanity.

The Spiritual Blessings of Family Life

We believe that faithfully raising a family is itself a sacred spiritual journey through which Heavenly Father teaches profound lessons in patience, sacrifice, humility, forgiveness, compassion, and unconditional love.

Both monogamous and plural sacred families may experience abundant blessings as they faithfully fulfill their responsibilities to one another.

TWCI also believes that the extraordinary responsibilities of a plural sacred household may provide distinctive opportunities for spiritual refinement, deeper family unity, and immeasurable spiritual growth when every member is treated with equality, dignity, and genuine love.

Through the challenges and blessings of family life, parents and caregivers can develop greater wisdom, emotional maturity, selflessness, and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

However, we believe these spiritual blessings are inseparable from the responsibility to protect and nurture every child. No religious covenant, spiritual aspiration, or family arrangement should ever take precedence over a child's safety, happiness, education, or well-being.

Ultimately, The Way Church of Illumination teaches that the greatest measure of a successful family is not its size or structure, but the love, peace, equality, moral integrity, wisdom, and happiness experienced by those within it.

Our hope is that every child raised within a TWCI family will grow into a knowledgeable, confident, compassionate, honorable, and spiritually grounded individual—someone prepared to build a fulfilling life, contribute positively to society, care for others, and carry forward the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

We believe a truly blessed home is one where love is abundant, children are cherished, education is encouraged, equality is practiced, joy and happiness are shared, and every family member has the opportunity to grow closer to Heavenly Father.

Absolutely. At The Way Church of Illumination (TWCI), we firmly believe that women and men are equally valued before Heavenly Father and possess the same spiritual dignity, worth, and opportunities to serve within the Church.

We believe Heavenly Father has blessed both women and men with the capacity for wisdom, spiritual understanding, moral leadership, compassion, sound judgment, and the ability to guide others in following Jesus Christ.

TWCI does not recognize one gender as spiritually superior to the other, nor do we believe that authority within the Church should be determined by whether an individual is male or female. We believe that the strength, wisdom, and spiritual development of the Church are enriched when qualified women and men serve together with equal authority, responsibility, and mutual respect.

Equality in Church Leadership

TWCI affirms that qualified women and men are equally eligible to serve in all positions of spiritual leadership, including as Elders, members of the Quorum of Twelve, and members of the Quorum of Seventy.

Those serving in equivalent positions possess the same authority, responsibilities, privileges, and voting rights. No individual is granted greater authority, influence, or spiritual standing simply because of gender.

We believe that both women and men bring valuable experiences, perspectives, talents, and abilities to the Church. By working together, they strengthen the quality of leadership, encourage thoughtful decision-making, and help ensure that the needs and concerns of the entire congregation are represented.

Neither men nor women are placed above one another. Both are expected to work in harmony, exercising equal responsibility and accountability before Heavenly Father and the members they serve.

Qualifications Based on Character, Wisdom, and Spiritual Maturity

At TWCI, leadership is a sacred responsibility entrusted to individuals who demonstrate the qualities necessary to serve faithfully and honorably.

We believe those considered for leadership should demonstrate:

• High moral integrity and honesty: A consistent commitment to righteousness, ethical conduct, truthfulness, and personal accountability.

• Spiritual maturity and devotion: A sincere relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, demonstrated through faith, humility, compassion, and Christian living.

• Knowledge of Scripture: A thoughtful understanding of biblical teachings, historical context, and the principles upon which our faith is established.

• Wisdom and sound judgment: The ability to make thoughtful, fair, and responsible decisions while considering the well-being of others.

• Education and intellectual development: An appreciation for higher education, independent research, lifelong learning, and the responsible application of knowledge and meaningful life experience.

• Humility and compassion: A genuine willingness to listen, understand different perspectives, and place the needs of others above personal ambition.

• Leadership through service: A demonstrated commitment to strengthening families, assisting those in need, supporting the vulnerable, and contributing positively to the community.

These qualifications apply equally to women and men, without preference, prejudice, or discrimination.

We also believe leadership eligibility should not depend upon whether an individual is unmarried, in a monogamous marriage, or participating in a voluntary plural sacred covenant. Spiritual character, demonstrated ability, and faithful conduct remain the essential qualifications.

Biblical Foundations for Equality and Service

We find important principles of spiritual equality and shared responsibility throughout Scripture.

Galatians 3:28 (KJV):

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

We understand this passage as affirming the equal spiritual worth and unity of all who belong to Christ.

Romans 16:1–2 recognizes Phoebe for her service to the early Christian community, while Romans 16:7 commends Junia among the early followers of Christ. These accounts contribute to our understanding of the meaningful roles women held in early Christianity, even as their precise offices and responsibilities remain subjects of historical interpretation.

We also look to the example of Jesus Christ, who taught that true greatness is found in serving others rather than exercising power over them.

Matthew 20:26 (KJV):

“But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.”

At TWCI, we believe these principles provide a meaningful foundation for leadership characterized by equality, humility, service, and mutual respect.

Leadership Through Cooperation, Not Domination

We believe spiritual authority is a responsibility to serve, never a privilege to dominate, intimidate, control, or elevate oneself above others.

Women and men serving in leadership are expected to cooperate respectfully, listen to differing viewpoints, encourage open discussion, and make decisions guided by Scripture, sound judgment, compassion, and the well-being of the Church.

No leader should claim unquestionable authority or use religious office to suppress sincere questions, independent thinking, or freedom of conscience.

We believe decisions affecting the Church should be approached with transparency, fairness, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the spiritual welfare of its members.

Leadership appointments should be based upon demonstrated qualifications and faithful service, not favoritism, personal relationships, family connections, or preferential treatment. TWCI rejects nepotism, cronyism, and discrimination as acceptable foundations for spiritual leadership.

The Spiritual Importance of Women and Men Serving Together

We believe that Heavenly Father has endowed humanity with a remarkable diversity of gifts, abilities, experiences, and perspectives. When qualified women and men work together in spiritual leadership, the Church benefits from a broader understanding of the needs of individuals, families, and communities.

Their cooperation provides opportunities to practice humility, patience, mutual respect, thoughtful communication, and shared responsibility.

We believe neither women nor men should be viewed as secondary participants in the spiritual development, administration, or future of the Church. Both are equally important to its mission, its teachings, and its service to humanity.

By recognizing equal leadership opportunities and responsibilities, TWCI seeks to cultivate a religious community where every qualified individual may use their God-given talents to serve others, contribute to spiritual understanding, and strengthen the Church.

Our Commitment to Equal Spiritual Leadership

At The Way Church of Illumination, we believe that true spiritual leadership is measured not by gender, title, status, or personal influence, but by integrity, wisdom, humility, knowledge, compassion, and faithful service to Jesus Christ.

Women and men are called to work together as equal partners in the responsibilities of guiding, teaching, protecting, and serving the Church.

Neither is placed above the other. Neither is considered less capable or less valuable because of gender. Both are equally accountable for the authority entrusted to them, and both are equally deserving of dignity, respect, and the opportunity to serve.

Through this shared commitment to equality, TWCI seeks to build a Church guided by wisdom rather than prejudice, cooperation rather than domination, and genuine Christian love rather than personal power.

We believe that when women and men serve together in equality, humility, and mutual respect, they honor Heavenly Father, reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ, and strengthen the spiritual foundation of the entire Church.