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Marriage and Divorce

Marriage and Divorce

The Marriage Ceremony

If a couple wants to marry in a Christian Church, they are often invited to discuss the meaning of Christian marriage with the priest or minister. They will discuss love and marriage, and make sure they understand what they will be promising to each other.

A Church of England wedding ceremony has 6 main elements

  1. Introduction explains Christian marriage. Questions asked to ensure the marriage is legal.
  2. Vows – promises which the bride and groom make committing themselves to one another.
  3. Rings – exchanged.
  4. Official statement for the bride and groom are now married.
  5. Prayers and blessings for the couple and then for the whole congregation.
  6. Signing of the marriage register, and receiving of the marriage certificate – a legal requirement.

1. The Introduction

This explains Christian teaching about marriage: a gift of God, blessed by Christ, and a symbol of Christ’s relationship with the Church. Marriage should not be approached rashly, without thought, or to satisfy lust, but with respect, consideration and seriousness.

“ Marriage is given, that husband and wife may comfort and help each other, living faithfully together in need and in plenty, in sorrow and enjoy. It is given, that with delight and tenderness they may know each other in love, and, through the joy of their bodily union, may strengthen the union of their hearts and lives. It is given as the foundation of family life in which children may be born and nurtured in accordance with God’s will, to his praise and glory. Common Worship

He will ask if anyone knows of any lawful reason why the couple cannot be married.

‘ I know not of any lawful reasons why I [name] should not be joined with [name] in holy matrimony’

‘ Wilt thou have…….to be your lawful wedded husband / wife’

‘ 'I take [name] to be my lawful wedded husband/wife’

2. The Vows

I, …, take you,…, to be my wife [or husband].

to have and to hold from this day forward;

for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish [and worship/obey],

till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and this is my solemn vow.

Church of England Marriage Service – The marriage Vows

3. The Rings symbolise:

4. The statement:

“Those whom God has joined together, let no one divide.”

5. Prayers, Blessings, Hymns and Bible Readings

These show this is a Christian marriage. They are not found in a civil wedding.

6. The signing of the register

The signing of the marriage register and receiving of the marriage certificate is a legal requirement, otherwise the marriage is not recognised in British law.

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