Marriage for a Christian is much more than a legal contract between a man and a woman. In Christian marriage, the third party involved is God, both on the wedding day and throughout the marriage.

The wedding ring is an outward and visible sign that the couple have been joined together by God. The ring reminds them of the gift of God’s grace which they receive through the sacrament. That grace – or inward spiritual strength – is unseen, but it is available to the couple throughout their married life. This grace can be constantly renewed. The grace of God helps them to fulfil their responsibilities to each other, and to deepen their love. Their human love is caught up in the love of God.

At All Saints, we are always happy to talk to couples about Christian Marriage. All Saints holds to the Church’s traditional teaching on marriage. Couples are prepared for marriage by the parish clergy with care and consideration. The Church is always there to help couples throughout their married life, whatever their situation.

‘Discovering the Faith’ by Fr John Pitchford