Common Law Marriage

[Salty]

Would you allow a couple in a "Common Law Marriage" become a member of your church?

 

[Deacon]

A common law marriage is legal in some States.
What is the spiritual state of the couple? That's a question that should be asked of anyone wanting to join the church.
Certainly not a candidate for being an elder... who 'must be above reproach.'

Rob

 

[Jerome]

Would you allow a couple in a "Common Law Marriage" become a member of your church?

Why not?

 

[Jerome]

common law marriage is legal in some States.

And all other States recognize the legality of common law marriages that were contracted in those States!

Common-law marriage - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

"All U.S. jurisdictions recognize common-law marriages that were validly contracted in the originating jurisdiction"

"common-law marriage can...be contracted in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma and the District of Columbia. Once they meet the requirements of common-law marriage, couples in those true common-law marriages are considered legally married for all purposes and in all circumstances."

 

[Jerome]

Certainly not a candidate for being an elder... who 'must be above reproach.'

Huh? What does that have to do with having contracted their marriage via the common law?

 

[Reynolds]

Would you allow a couple in a "Common Law Marriage" become a member of your church?

No

 

[Reynolds]

Why not?

Fornication

 

[Jerome]

Would you allow a couple in a "Common Law Marriage" become a member of your church?

Why not?

Fornication

Huh? They are married.

 

[Jerome]

Would you allow a couple in a "Common Law Marriage" become a member of your church?

Yes.

 

[Reynolds]

Huh? They are married.

Not in eyes of God. God did not say shack up for two years and then you are fine.

 

[Jerome]

They are married.

Not in eyes of God. God did not say shack up for two years and then you are fine.

Shows you don't understand what common law marriage is.