Unit 1: The Christian Marriage Service and Differences in Practice

Question 1

What two Churches have marriage as a sacrament?

Answer 1

• Catholic Church
• Orthodox Church

Question 2

What does the Catholic Church require for the marriage to be considered sacramental?

Answer 2

• The couple needs to be baptised
• If one person in seeking to get married hasn’t been baptised then special permission from the bishop is needed for the marriage to go ahead
• This marriage is called a disparity of cult

Question 3

Is it possible for a non-Christian to receive the sacraments in a Catholic Church?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

What happens if a Catholic wants to marry a non-Christian?

Answer 4

• The marriage won’t be a sacrament
• Permission may be gained from the bishop for a priest to witness the marriage

Question 5

What do weddings in the Catholic Church include?

Answer 5

• Special ‘nuptial’ mass
• Usually happens when the bride and groom are both Catholics
• They each take part in receiving the sacrament
• The holy communion, vows and following the liturgy help to direct the couple’s thoughts on God
• Personal blessing from the priest

Question 6

What do the COE allow that Catholics don’t?

Answer 6

• In contrast to the Catholic C, the COE welcomes any heterosexual couple to marry in the Church, whether or not they’re Christian or baptised.
• They will also carry out mixed-faith marriages

Question 7

What does the vicar usually offer to married couples?

Answer 7

A course in marriage preparation, which explores all aspects of married life.

Question 8

What happens in a COE wedding service?

Answer 8

• The COE believes that a church wedding adds a spiritual dimension to the marriage since God’s included
• The couple can make choices about the Bible readings and hymns they want
• Vows said
• May include a Eucharist after the service
• The COE also performs state weddings like Prince William and Kate Middleton

Question 9

What churches have less structure during wedding services?

Answer 9

• Non-conformist Churches
• For example, the bride and groom can write their own vows, rather than using the ones from the Church
• This gives more emphasis on the couple saying personal things to God and their partner

Question 10

What happens in Quaker weddings?

Answer 10

• The belief that only God can join the couple together means that they have no minister to lead the proceedings
• Couple will sit in silent worship
• They’ll say their vows when they feel that it’s the right time