God is now welcome at the Register Office
A recent change in the law in England and Wales has might that couples wishing to marry in Register Offices can now use songs and poems, which contain religious references as part of their wedding ceremony.
The General Register Office lifted the ban after months of consolation between religious organisations, local authorities and members of the public. The GRO was initially asked to review the antiquated law after the Chancellor, Gordon Brown expressed his concerns, regarding a case that had been brought to his attention.
A couple had been refused permission to have the reading of ‘How do I love thee’ a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s as part of their wedding nuptials, because the poem contained the words “God” and “grace”.
John Healey, the financial secretary to the Treasury and minister responsible for the GRO, told the Telegraph newspaper: "These changes will help to make registration services designed for Victorian times fit for today, where two out of three marriages in England and Wales now take place in civil ceremonies.
They will allow couples to enjoy some of the well-loved readings and music barred under current rules, and they will improve the service offered to couples by putting greater responsibility and accountability in the hands of those who deliver the service."
Religious leaders have welcomed the new law, but there will still be a ban in place on the use of readings from holy books such as the Bible, Koran and Torah and any religious rituals.
This however does mean that couples can now include classic love songs such as “Angel” by Robbie Williams and “I say a little pray for you” by Aretha Franklin along with love poems from great writers including Shakespeare, Blake and Eliot is they so wish, in their wedding service.
I fear though the new law is not altogether clear, as classic religious music such as Ave Maria and Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, will only be allowed to be played as background music at the discretion of the Register.
More clear guidance needs to be in place so that the law is made transparent and that it is not left open to Registers to have to interpret the law. Although with respect to the GRO they are aware to the situation and have said they will issue clear guidance to local officials to ensure consistency.
There has been a steady growth in the number of couples wanting to marry in Register Offices, hotels and other licensed venues, give couples the opportunity to true personalise their wedding day.
