When we talk about marriage, weddings tend to draw most of our focus. From the venue and outfits to the food, flowers, and cake, significant amounts of time, energy, and money are spent creating “the perfect day.” And while weddings are joyful celebrations of a couple’s commitment to each other, it is the marriage itself, the lifelong, loving relationship formed and nurtured between these two people, which is truly holy.
Marriage in the Episcopal tradition is a sacrament, an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible transformation. In marriage, two people make a lifelong commitment to love, support, encourage, comfort, and delight in each other. By entering marriage within the context of the church a couple recognizes and celebrates God’s sustaining presence in their marriage.
Marriage is a vocation, a calling to a particular way of life. It, just like any other vocation, takes time, effort, and focus to live into fully. Thus, it is not to be entered into lightly, but intentionally and with the support of others who can help the new couple grow in their commitment to each other and to God. As a vocation, marriage is not for everyone. Some may be called to it, while others will sense a call to a single life or one devoted to a religious order.
Have questions about:
- Getting married in The Episcopal Church?
- LGBTQ+ Marriage?
- Re-marriage after divorce?
- Guidelines for Clergy performing marriages outside ECCT?
- Guidelines for Clergy outside ECCT performing marriages in Connecticut?
