A PARISH IN THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD

PARISH POLICY
CONCERNING MARRIAGES

Trinity Church believes that a marriage arises, most appropriately, from within a faith community, and is sustained, in part, by that same faith community (in accordance with the assurances given by those present during the ceremony of Holy Matrimony that they will support the persons who are married in their life together. See the Book of Common Prayer, 1979, page 425).

Having this obligation in mind, we at Trinity Episcopal Church, Mt. Vernon, Illinois, seek to take seriously our role as supporters of the married couple.

To that intent, the Vestry of Trinity Church adopts as parish policy a requirement that, under normal circumstances, at least one partner of a couple seeking to have God’s blessing on their relationship will be an active part of Trinity’s worship life for one full year prior to the date of their marriage.

The Rector may, in consultation with the Vestry of Trinity Church, waive this time requirement, at their discretion.

All services of Holy Matrimony performed at Trinity Church will conform in every detail with the language of the Book of Common Prayer, 1979, as it is permitted in the various service options which the Prayer Book allows. (See pages 423, 433, and 435.)

As adopted by Trinity's Vestry on July 11, 2010.

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