Overview

This bill allows for marriages according to the rites of Christian denominations other than the Church of England to be held in Church of England chapels. The bill requires permission from the incumbent, Parochial Church Council, and the relevant bishop (or Ordinary).

Description

The Ecumenical Marriage Bill allows marriages of Christian denominations besides the Church of England to be conducted in Church of England chapels licensed for marriage under sections 20 and 21 of the Marriage Act 1949. This requires:

• Permission from the incumbent (local priest), the Parochial Church Council, and the relevant bishop (or Ordinary for Royal peculiars).
• The marriage must be solemnised and registered by a minister licensed to perform marriages under the Marriage Act 1949.
• The bill applies only to England and Wales.
• "Christian denominations other than the Church of England" are defined as denominations whose ministers and churches can be licensed for marriage under the Marriage Act 1949.

The bill would come into effect six months after being passed.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant impact on government spending as it primarily affects the processes and procedures for solemnizing marriages within existing religious structures. No figures regarding government spending were included in the bill text.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Church of England clergy and officials: They would be involved in granting permissions for interdenominational marriages in their chapels.
• Ministers of other Christian denominations: They would gain the ability to conduct marriages in Church of England chapels.
• Couples wishing to marry: Couples from different Christian denominations would have more options for wedding venues.

Powered by nyModel