Subject: Marriage Canon - Place of marriage

Moved By: Ronald Stevenson (Chancellor)

Seconded By: Bishop Barry Hollowell from the Diocese of Calgary

Note: The mover and the seconder must be members of the General Synod and be present in the House when the resolution is before the synod for debate.

BE IT RESOLVED:

That second reading be given to the resolution

That Section 12 in Part II of Canon XXI be repealed and the following substituted therefor:

12. Place of Marriage

a) Marriage is a public act and shall be solemnized in the face of the community and of the friends and neighbours of the couple.

b) Every marriage shall be solemnized in the presence of at least two witnesses in addition to the officiating minister.

c) The body of the church is the appropriate place for the solemnization of a marriage but a marriage may be solemnized in another location if the incumbent, after consultation with the bishop, is satisfied that the solemnity and public nature of the occasion will be preserved and that the service will be conducted with dignity in godly and decent order.

EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The background for this resolution is found in the report of the Marriage Canon Task Force, (Appendix 4, 003 Council of General Synod Report) particularly at pages 25 and 26.