Sir, - The after shocks of the new regulations for marriages here opens an important discussion on State/Church relationships. While welcoming the new requirement of three months' notice of intention to marry, although hastily imposed, I believe that the overhaul of antiquated marriage regulations is still incomplete.
Representatives of the Baptist community in Ireland have argued for years that the continental practice of separating the civil and religious ceremonies is a straightforward and satisfactory arrangement. On the ground, it means that the civil marriage takes place at the Town Hall and the religious ceremony, where desired, is performed in the church. All denominations can co operate with this set up, and whatever theology of marriage they hold is catered for.
The separation of civil and religious marriage formalities is gaining the support of several groups in Ireland, because it has many beneficial dimensions. These include the State taking responsibility for the legal contract; the Churches looking after the spiritual undertaking, and the removal of the unwieldy anachronism of ministers of religion having to act as civil servants.
Since Church and State are both divinely instituted, their functions are important; but they don't need to become so intertwined as our traditional marriage laws make them. A little simplicity would do both a lot of good. For once, we should go European, without a blink. - Yours, etc..
Pastor of Brannockstown
Baptist Church,
Naas,
Co Kildare.