By now Spiritual Assembly secretaries will have received the new, revised version of the document called Baháí Marriage in Northern Ireland issued by the Baháí Council. This document pertains to specific responsibilities and procedures to be observed in Northern Ireland, both legal and Baháí, and should not be confused with Guidance Notes to Local Spiritual Assemblies issued by the National Assembly which are of a more general nature for the whole of the UK.
The Baháís of Northern Ireland, like their Scottish counterparts, have succeeded in having their marriages recognised as legal, and it is of great importance that everyone becomes familiar with the contents of this new document. It would provide an excellent deepening. The three Marriage Officers for Northern Ireland have officiated at many marriages, since legal recognition was granted, and each marriage has presented its unique set of circumstances, which this document clarifies.
The main point is that when a couple wish to marry they must approach their Spiritual Assembly, who should know how to proceed. (Those residing outside a Local Spiritual Assembly jurisdiction approach the National Spiritual Assembly, which will appoint a Spiritual Assembly, or an individual to represent them and oversee the proceedings.) Appropriate Marriage Certificates will be sent by the National Assembly when requested to do so.
The Baháí Marriage in Northern Ireland document is divided into distinct sections for ease of reference:
The Baháí Marriage officers, Mrs Pat Irvine, Mrs Hazel Holmund, and Mr Eddie Whiteside can be contacted at any time, if further clarification is required.
Eddie Whiteside, Chief Marriage Officer
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