Call for change in marriage law

There is no mention of any religion in a Register Office marriage.

It's all vote chasing anyway.

For God's sake! Why can't they apply their minds to something important.

Leave marriage just as it is. For those who truly believe in it. And who want to raise a family in happiness and security for their children.

Why can't a same sex couple just promise each other they will be faithful and loving. It's only ever going to be between the two of them. And they have civil partnerships.

I got married in a registry office and can't really recall any of the ceremony. Is there a C of E element to registry office weddings? There was something in the link about non-consummation and adultery. I must be a bit dim but I'm confused. Does this new proposal affect people marrying in registry offices or just in churches?

If you marry in a Catholic Church in UK you have a second short ceremony with a registrar as well ( done when the register is signed and often in a small room off the main church) - at least that is how it used to be - so you were both married in the Church and a Civil Partnership. It was only the C of E vicars who had the authority to perform both the civil and religious parts of the ceremony together.

I think the problem here (UK) might have something to do with us supposedly being a Christian country - Queen being head of C of E. Am no expert - just a thought.

Here in Switzerland they have always been separate. Everyone has to have the official, legal, civil ceremony - and can then add a religious one if they wish- which has absolutely no legal status at all.

I think this paragraph from the article explains it clearly, eloe. (BTW, how should I pronounce your name?)

"The way to deliver both is a proper separation of civil and religious marriage, so it is clear that civil recognition of relationships is a matter for the state, defined in law, and this should be the same for all couples, but at the same time then allowing belief-based organisations to marry whoever they want according to what they believe marriage to mean."

So, in a nutshell, marriage will be a civil partnership, but if anyone wants to add on a religious aspect/ceremony, that's up to them and separate. An addition to the legality, if you like.

I don't really understand it - can someone explain please?

That makes sense to me too, I do hope it comes about someday.

Makes perfect sense so has no chance of making it into law. Modern marriage is a civil partnership whether it's in Church or Registry Office. Church just adds the rituals of religion (not mean to sound anti religion).

Agreed, Bags, but when did common sense ever come into matters that involve the authority and influence of the CofE?