The, eh, stuff that marriages are made of...

[Pragmatist]

Originally Posted by Aquila

But all this doesn't answer one of my questions. In states where common law marriages are legally accepted... do churches in said states recognize these unions?

A simple answer, no.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Pragmatist

A simple answer, no.

why not?

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by dizzyde

One of the things that Michael Pearl said in the article that I read, (simplified) is that you could have a religious ceremony and then form a written contract of marriage, have it witnessed and then take it the county clerk and have it filed on record. You would have legal contract, but it would not be a state governed union.

What in your mind makes something a "state governed" union?

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by jfrog

What in your mind makes something a "state governed" union?

Sorry to disappoint but I am not debating anything here, I don't really have a strong opinion or feeling on the subject either way. I was simply repeating what was said in the article I read. I really don't care, I was just interested to know if Aquila was a follower of this guy, a lot of what he says sounds very similar.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by dizzyde

Sorry to disappoint but I am not debating anything here, I don't really have a strong opinion or feeling on the subject either way. I was simply repeating what was said in the article I read. I really don't care, I was just interested to know if Aquila was a follower of this guy, a lot of what he says sounds very similar.

Never heard of him. But it does cause me to pause...if a union is legal, be it solemnized by the government or common law, why not recognize it?

[missourimary]

Originally Posted by missourimary

Because as you stated before, they are not recognized in every state, they are not considered legally binding by all people, there isn't a marriage license on file with the state, and once they begin coming to church, they are encouraged to make their vows before God.

Aquila, there are some OP churches that encourage that every new convert couple renew their vows, not because the marriages weren't true marriages, but because they are now committing to God and each other.

Bump!

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by missourimary

Because as you stated before, they are not recognized in every state, they are not considered legally binding by all people, there isn't a marriage license on file with the state, and once they begin coming to church, they are encouraged to make their vows before God.

Aquila, there are some OP churches that encourage that every new convert couple renew their vows, not because the marriages weren't true marriages, but because they are now committing to God and each other.

I'm not sure about the idea of renewing one's vows at the behest of a church. However, in the case of a new convert I see what they are attempting to accomplish. I'd say at the very least there should be a family dedication to the Lord.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I was just doing some reading regarding Common Law Marriages. These marriages are unions that are legally recognized though not solemnized by the state. ...
Just an interesting subject. What are your thoughts?

I am reminded of one sister and her husband in our church. Her children and grandchildren had all prayed through with us in our altars and had been a part of the church for years.

Grandma was the daughter of immigrants, an American citizen who had moved back and forth across the border seasonally when she was younger but now settled in the States. Grandpa was a Mexican citizen and had also settled in the States and they raised their family here together. They had never "officially" married.

After Grandma prayed through and was baptized (many years after her children and grandchildren) we all rejoiced together. Her children raised the issue of marriage. To be honest no one else had even given the matter a thought, they had been together for so long (30+ years) that we all assumed they were married.

In the end, to satisfy the longings of their children (and to have an excuse for a big party) they were "officially" married in the church. Both were baptized in time and have since passed away. One of their daughters died tragically many years back, but the rest of the family still populates different churches around the region.

I've wondered if the "common law" status would have been sufficient to give the Grandpa American citizenship. This issue was never tested so I guess we'll never know.

[nova]

I think a marriage should be a union of two souls before anything.
The soul knows it's kind.
the soul of one can and will in the end recognize it's mate no matter what else is going on.
the union in a church brings it before god. But god already knew the story.
the fact that these states feel it necessary to require a divorce for a marriage that has no certification in the church is not okay under many lights. We choose to marry. It is called free will my friends! the gov. should not be dictating what we are if a man and women live together however if a man and women live together i feel it should be a temporary thing of short standing (i am talking Mos.) then ether marry or move on!