Bishop’s Note: Holy Matrimony – The Purpose of Marriage

Bishop Eric Menees

As we continue our examination of the rite of Holy Matrimony in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer we turn to the stated purpose of marriage. As the priest stands before the bride and groom, having established the theological premise for marriage, he now witnesses to the purpose of marriage to the couple and the congregation. Here we find significant differences between the purposes here and those expressed in the 1979 BCP. 

In the 1979 BCP the procreation of children is tertiary to joy, help, and comfort.  The 2019 BCP reflects the biblical purpose for marriage - the creation of a family, in response to God’s call to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:28).  In addition, the 2019 BCP states the spiritual foundation for the couple, the church and society: “to maintain purity, so that husbands and wives, with all the household of God, might serve as holy and undefiled members of the Body of Christ;”. Marriage is meant to bless the bride and groom, to lead them into a good and holy life which will in turn be a blessing to the church, the Body of Christ, and society as a whole.

The point being that marriage is about much more than the individual couple, it is about the very fabric of society. It is for that reason that “marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately.”  Premarital counseling is a requirement in the ACNA for marriage in order to assist the couple to advisedly, soberly, reverently, and deliberately enter into this lifelong union.

Equally, the community gathered is asked to speak out if there is just cause why they may not be married in accordance with God’s Word. Again, this represents a difference between the 1979 and 2019 BCP as the statement in the 1979 BCP is: “If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.” The emphasis is lawful marriage as opposed to the greater concern of being in accord with the Word of God in the 2019 BCP.

The institution of marriage is first and foremost about God and honoring him. When we honor God, we receive the blessings that come from being the beloved children of God that he desires for us, and that blessing extends to the community around us. 

I pray that as you read through the following paragraphs you will be blessed as you contemplate the meaning and purpose of Holy Matrimony.

“The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind was ordained by God: for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord; for mutual joy, for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; to maintain purity, so that husbands and wives, with all the household of God, might serve as holy and undefiled members of the Body of Christ; and for the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom in family, church, and society, to the praise of his holy Name.

Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was ordained by Almighty God.

Into this holy union N.N. and N.N. now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be married in accordance with God’s Word, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.”