Sample Statements on Marriage

Blaine Robison, M.A.

Published 15 July 2015

The sample statements and model policy below are provided for general information and illustration purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice particular to your situation.

Statement on Marriage

The following statement may be incorporated into an existing Statement of Faith:

“We believe that God has established marriage as a lifelong relationship, exclusively heterosexual, the commitment of male and female to each other in covenant with God (Gen 1:27; 2:24; Prov 2:17; Mal 2:14; Matt 19:5-6; Eph), as limited by the prohibited degrees of blood relation and gender (Lev 18:6-18, 18). By biblical practice marriage may only occur between those free to marry, competent to give consent and able to consummate the union.

Statement on Human Sexuality

"We believe that God the Creator intended from the beginning that human sexuality find its expression within the covenant of heterosexual marriage. Husbands and wives should view sexuality as a part of their much larger commitment to serve one another (1Cor 7:3-5; Col 3:18-19; 1Pet 3:7). The home should serve as a setting for teaching children the sacred character of human sexuality and for showing them how its meaning is fulfilled in the context of marital love and fidelity (Gen 2:24-25).

"God has expressly prohibited various sexual or sexual-related behaviors that ultimately harm the marriage relationship, the family and the community. These offenses include (but are not limited to) adultery, bestiality, homosexual acts, incest, lust, pedophilia, pornography, prostitution, sensuality, sexual addictions, transvestism, and voyeurism.

(Gen 1:27; 13:13; 18:20; 19:4-7; Ex 20:14, 17, 26; 22:19; Lev 18:6-22; 19:29; 20:10, 13-16; 21:9; Deut 5:18, 21; 22:5, 21-24; 23:14, 17-18; Matt 5:28; 19:9, 18; Luke 18:20; Rom 1:18-32; 7:3; 13:9, 13; 1Cor 5:11; 6:9-10, 15-18; 11:14-15; 2Cor 12:21; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:3, 5; 1Tim 1:8-11; 2Tim 2:22; Heb 13:4; 1Pet 2:11; 4:3; 2Pet 2:7; Jude 7; Rev 22:15).

"We believe the grace of God sufficient to enable any person to overcome every immoral practice and live a life free of sexual sin (1Cor 6:9-11). We deplore any action or statement that would seek to minimize the authority of Scripture on the subject of sexuality and accommodate the values of this world (Jas 4:4).

"We also believe that God created the human race male and female and that each deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. We view all efforts to adopt a gender other than one’s birth gender to be immoral and therefore sin (Gen. 1:27; Deut. 22:5).”

Model Wedding Policy

Overview

Marriage is a blessed and desirable relationship and a wedding affords the opportunity for the congregation to celebrate with the happy couple. Weddings are also worship services in which the couple expresses their devotion not only to each other but also to God. Please be aware that our [pastor, priest or rabbi] does not perform weddings, solemnize marriages or sign marriage licenses. Planning weddings, as well as the legal registration and licensing of marriage, are the sole responsibility of the parties involved and their families. The [pastor, priest or rabbi] is available to assist in planning an appropriate worshipful celebration.

Basic Requirements

The following basic requirements apply for having a wedding in our facility:

1. The Bride, Groom, or their parents must be a member of or in continuing fellowship with [Name of Congregation].

2. The wedding must be in accordance with [Name of Congregation's] doctrinal teachings on Biblical marriage, including considerations for divorce and remarriage. [Include the congregation's doctrinal statement with the policy or by specific reference.]

3. Fees are charged solely to help cover the congregation’s normal facility costs relative to hosting a large group (e.g., utilities, insurance, custodial).

Spiritual Preparation

Given our philosophy of a wedding as worship and covenant with God the couple should endeavor to meet the following expectations:

1. Both the Bride and Groom will have a personal relationship with Yeshua.

2. The Bride and Groom will live in separate residences until the wedding day.

3. The Bride and Groom will make a commitment not to engage in sexual activity prior to marriage.

4. The Bride and Groom will successfully complete premarital counseling.

Any questions regarding fulfillment of these requirements shall be determined by the congregation’s leadership, in accordance with its governance structure.