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01/10/2008
Church Of England Introduces Relaxed Wedding Laws
A new law is to be introduced by the Church of England that will make it easier for couples to get married in Anglican churches.
Under new rules the 'Church of England Marriage Measure' will allow couples to choose to get married in a church where they or their family may have a special connection.
Previously, couples could only get married in a church if they worshipped there regularly, applied for a special licence or lived in the parish.
The Bishop of Reading, Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, said: "Getting married in church just got easier. People who are serious about getting married naturally want a marriage ceremony and a setting which is equally serious."
He added that the change was "good news", saying a lot of people want "something the church can offer: God's blessing on their marriage".
"Now it will be easier to provide it," he said. "Golf clubs and country houses, you have been warned!"
The new law has been debated by the Church of England for a number of years, and the measure had to be passed through it's own legal system before going through both Houses of Parliament and receiving Royal Assent.
The strict regulations were blamed for the contributing to the decline of church weddings in recent years. Civil ceremonies were becoming more popular in places like hotels and stately homes, and this currently accounts for two-thirds of weddings.
(JM)
Under new rules the 'Church of England Marriage Measure' will allow couples to choose to get married in a church where they or their family may have a special connection.
Previously, couples could only get married in a church if they worshipped there regularly, applied for a special licence or lived in the parish.
The Bishop of Reading, Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, said: "Getting married in church just got easier. People who are serious about getting married naturally want a marriage ceremony and a setting which is equally serious."
He added that the change was "good news", saying a lot of people want "something the church can offer: God's blessing on their marriage".
"Now it will be easier to provide it," he said. "Golf clubs and country houses, you have been warned!"
The new law has been debated by the Church of England for a number of years, and the measure had to be passed through it's own legal system before going through both Houses of Parliament and receiving Royal Assent.
The strict regulations were blamed for the contributing to the decline of church weddings in recent years. Civil ceremonies were becoming more popular in places like hotels and stately homes, and this currently accounts for two-thirds of weddings.
(JM)
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05 December 2005
‘Gay marriage’ becomes legal
Around a thousand gay couples are expected to register for the new civil partnerships, which became law today. The Civil Partnership Act allows gay couples to register their intent to form a civil partnership.
‘Gay marriage’ becomes legal
Around a thousand gay couples are expected to register for the new civil partnerships, which became law today. The Civil Partnership Act allows gay couples to register their intent to form a civil partnership.
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Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
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Tax Break For Married Couples Planned
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Tax Break For Married Couples Planned
It is believed the government are planning to introduce a tax break for married couples before the 2015 election. The announcement comes after wide criticism of the chancellor's plan to axe child benefit for higher rate taxpayers from 2013. However, the Prime Minister has stood by plans to scrap child benefit for high earners.
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