Marriage

Marriage as a sacred institution

All Christians believe that marriage is a sacred institution which is ordained by, and a gift from, God, but of course there is variance in how it is celebrated between different denominations and different countries.

Members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church mark marriage in line with biblical principles but also in a modest and humble way which is typical of our approach to most aspects of life and faith.

Marriages are usually held on Tuesdays, because of the reference in Scripture to a marriage on the third day (John 2).  A simple ceremony is held at the home of the bride. The woman will wear a long white wedding dress, and the man will wear a white shirt, dark trousers and often also a suit jacket, and both the bride and groom will say their vows. Women will wear an engagement and wedding ring, but men generally avoid any jewellery.

Marriages are officiated in line with local laws by a registered marriage celebrant, and all of the normal certifications and wording required in different jurisdictions.

At the conclusion of the service, all members of the household will generally share a light meal or have some simple refreshments rather than there being a major reception.

The married couple will then attend the church service that night, in normal attire, where a blessing would be conveyed on the marriage.

Courtship and engagement

Marriage is the bedrock of family and children. It is a commitment between a man and a woman in the presence of God, and as such we take it very seriously.

Marriage in our church is voluntarily entered into. Parishioners are free to marry the partner of their choosing within the faith, after having typically met at church events, in the workplace or through family and friends. Our church does not practice arranged marriage.

Our church strongly encourages mutual respect and commitment between husbands and wives. The incidence of marriage break-up amongst our members is fortunately very low, and well below societal norms.

Marrying within the faith

Members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church eat and pray only with people who we would take communion with, and it follows that members of our church marry within the faith. In marrying fellow believers, church members maintain unity in values and practices, while nurturing community ties.

Same sex marriage or relations outside of wedlock

Our members around the world, like millions of other Christians, desire to live our lives according to Scripture and therefore based on Scripture we believe sexual relationships should be between a man and a woman and take place within the sanctity of marriage, but we also acknowledge that others outside of our church can and do have different views.