On Wednesday a new British law is making it easier for couples to get married in Anglican churches. Previously, couples could only get married in a church if they applied for a special license, or worshipped there regularly or lived in the parish.
Under the new rules, called the "Church of England Marriage Measure," couples can choose to get married in a place with a special connection for themselves or their families.
Stephen Cottrell “the Bishop of Reading” said Getting married in church just got easier, saying it had been difficult for people in the past.
People who are serious about getting married naturally want a marriage ceremony and a setting which is equally serious.
A recent survey had shown that more people would choose a church wedding if they could have one, with 53 percent of the public believing such marriages "feel more proper.
The new law comes in amid a growth in popularity for civil weddings in hotels, stately homes and other privately owned locations after a change in the law 13 years ago allowed marriages to take place outside registry offices.
A lot of people want something only the church can offer: God's blessing on their marriage. Now it will be easier to provide it," Cottrell added. " Country houses and golf clubs, you have been warned.
Under the new rules, couples can marry in a church where:
One has lived in the parish for six months
One of them was baptized or prepared for confirmation
One has regularly worshipped in the parish for six months
Their parents or grandparents were married
One of their parents has regularly worshipped for six months in their child's lifetime;
Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.''
What an incredible statement. If it wasn't said by the Lord Jesus Himself then it might be a little hard to swallow, but here it is in black and white for all who will receive.
