Chapter 4
Definition of Marriage
Introduction
Marriage is an institution ordained and ordered by God.^1 It is the only institution that was
established before sin came into the world.
Three Ways of Getting Married
- Civil Marriage
(This is in accordance to the civil laws of the land.)
(a) In most countries, the Marriage Ordinance prescribes that a certificate must be
acquired from the local or municipal authority, granting a 3-month period during
which a couple must be married after their names have been published at the
Municipal/City Council or the church for three weeks. If no one opposes the
marriage within these three weeks, the marriage may take place.
(b) A legal register must be signed by at least two witnesses.
(c) Parental consent is desirable, encouraged and very much sought after, but not
100% essential if the couple is above 18.
(d) Marriage is only broken by a legal divorce.
(e) It is a crime to marry again while still married under the Marriage Ordinance.