Guidelines for Remarriage
The consultation with the Bishop required under Title I, Canon 19, sec. 3(c) of the Canons of the Episcopal Church shall be in writing, normally no sooner than one year after separation in the previous marriage. Applications in a shorter period should state reasons for the shorter time.
The application for consent of the Bishop shall be made by the member of the clergy who will officiate at the proposed wedding. When the officiating minister is not canonically resident but is holding a pastoral cure, the application must be accompanied by the endorsement of such a minister who certifies that these guidelines have been met.
Each application for consent of the Bishop shall consist of a letter from the minister which will include the following:
- A statement that he or she has met with both parties to the proposed marriage, or, if not, a description of the alternative to such a meeting, and that the Declaration of Intention has been signed;
- A statement that the final divorce decree has been seen personally and the date of the final decree;
- A statement that the minister is satisfied that adequate “continuing concern” is demonstrated for former spouse(s) and for children. (see Title I, Canon 19, sec. 3(b);
- The date and place of the proposed ceremony;
- A statement that all other requirements of Title I, Canon 18, and Title I, Canon 19 not already mentioned have been met;
- A statement that no other minister of the this Church has declined to solemnize the proposed marriage; or, if a minister of this Church has so declined to solemnize, a statement that the applying minister has consulted with that minister, including reasons for application in light of that consultation.
- In the case where either party has had a second divorce, the applications for the Bishop’s consent shall not be made (a) unless one year has passed since the final divorce decree, (b) unless both parties to the proposed marriage have sought and received professional marriage counseling, and (c) until the counselor has reported to the minister the belief that the two persons asking for permission to marry are in the opinion of the counselor adequately prepared for a lifelong union.
When consent has been given in another jurisdiction for a marriage in the Diocese of North Carolina, the Bishop of North Carolina will affirm the consent, provided these guidelines have been followed, or that expectations to them have his approval.
The solemnization of any marriage under Title I, Canon 19 shall be reported to the Bishop within 30 days after the wedding.
- Revised February 2009
