by grewupjw1969 8 Replies latest watchtower bible
I have a question. As I was reading the "Shepherd The Flock" book 12:8 (boy do I think that's stupid) I saw that an elder has to make sure he can officate at a wedding.
Who determines whether he is qualified to do that? They aren't recognized by any other authority to be ministers.
Grewup
I do know that in Australia, you have to be a Justice of the Peace in order to be able legally officiate over a wedding.
I'm guessing this is what you're asking? I don't have a copy of the hallowed book so I don't know the context of the paragraph in question.
You have to check local or State Laws and make sure being an elder is recognized, if not you sign up as a Justice of the Peace.
Since I stepped down as an Elder and left several years ago I have married several couples as a Justice of the Peace.
Depends on where you live.
Here in the UK the building (KH) has to be registered for marriages. A nominated elder (or visiting registrar) fills in the register after the ceremony, but anyone in theory can conduct the marriage service.
George
It's the questions they will ask you about petting and such. Ugh. Nasty and humiliating.
@ GrandmaJones Yea... the questions are riduculous. Its to invasive
@Designs... I was just wondering if that makes the wedding legally official. It would be a sad thing if all the JW weddings were not legal
@ Broken Promises....You have a PM
In this area, elders have to have permission from their body of elders (specifically the Congregation Service Committee) in order to perform a marriage inside or outside the KH. Although qualifying according to secular requirements, that elder could be punished (I've seen it happen)
