"Marry or separate" potential converts told...

[_jon]

When Missionaries happen to come across an unmarried couple who are potential interested in converting to Mormonism, at some point in the discussions they have the give the couple this message:
"Men and women who are living together but are not married may not be baptised without first getting married or separated."
(Preach My Gospel manual)

In America where would an unbaptised couple go to get married?

It goes on to say:
"Those who are married to more than one person at a time may not be baptised"
(Preach My Gospel manual)

There is currently reported a fast growth of members in Africa - where the number of men who more than one wife, is higher than perhaps anywhere else.

So do these rules apply in Africa?
Are the numbers of African converts compliant with these rules?

[_LDS truthseeker]

So do these rules apply in Africa? YES
Are the numbers of African converts compliant with these rules? DON'T KNOW, WOULD YOU?

[_jon]

So do these rules apply in Africa? YES
Are the numbers of African converts compliant with these rules? DON'T KNOW, WOULD YOU?

I read somewhere (I think it was a news article but can't be sure) that the Church was dealing with the baptism of Polygamous African males in a soft way - what I mean is that they were being asked to stop being Polygamous but don't disown your existing wives.

I may have got that wrong so feel free to put me right.

[_Jason Bourne]

Polygamists cannot join the church even in Africa. If they want to join they have to have only one wife.

[_ajax18]

Legal marriage was not required of couples living in free union in my mission at one time as well. People complained when the church did start requiring it. It costs money to get divorced legally. I'd bet any third world country has a similar situation.