Remarriage Policy

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POLICY CONCERNING REMARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH

In the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, when clergy are approached by a couple concerning marriage where one or both have previously been married, there are several steps which must be taken.

A conference between the clergy and couple must take place to ascertain the facts and circumstance of the proposed remarriage. In that conference, the clergy are to inquire as to the number of previous marriages, what caused their breakup and whether legal and financial obligations to previous spouses or children are being met.

It is the policy of this diocese to require that a year shall have elapsed since a divorce became final, unless there are circumstances that the Bishop considers reason to waive that requirement.

In the case of multiple previous marriages, this requirement becomes more difficult to waive. In all cases, the Bishop will not grant permission for remarriage in the Church without thirty days notice and the written recommendation of the clergy person involved.

Finally, any marriage preformed under these policies should be reported to the Bishop after the solemnization of the marriage, as required by Canon 19.3 (c) of the National Church Canons.

Solemnization of marriage certificate