Blessing & Celebrating your Special Day

One of the greatest aspects of creating ceremony that excites me as an interfaith minister is the opportunity to work with individuals to craft something that is truly their own. Where weddings are concerned, this may be something that in structure is quite close to a traditional (for example) Christian ceremony, but equally something that's very different.

I believe that appreciating and acknowledging the meaning of marriage, and setting a firm intention in the form of carefully thought-through vows and a blessing that’s meaningful for both partners (for example, taking account of different beliefs, or having no belief) are what matter.

In my view, there are no differences between the marrying of people of the same or opposite sexes, between transgendered or gender-fluid people, or between individuals who’ve been previously married and those who haven’t. For me, a marriage or relationship blessing is a bringing together of two soul partners, whose right to love and share companionship with each other should be unbridled. The ethical code that I committed to following on my ordination celebrates difference, not marginalising people on the basis of age, disability, state of health, race, gender, nationality, religion, sexuality, economic status or any other distinction. This doesn't mean that I won't respect the beliefs of whoever I may act as a celebrant for, including of course couples who may hold to "traditional" views.

A wedding really should be a couple’s special day, and will be made special in many different ways for different people. Perhaps it’s often the ceremonies that don’t conform to the norm that are often the most beautiful. I look forward to hearing what will be most special for you.

Interfaith ministry allows for a couple coming from different faith traditions or where one or both have no belief in God to enjoy a ceremony that has meaning for both people. Elements that are especially important for a particular faith can be incorporated, of course including blessings, readings and prayers. However, I am not ordained by or representative for such faiths, and so don’t pretend to take on the role of a rabbi, an imam or other faith leader.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of my having the honour to be the celebrant for your special day, please get in touch with me (my contact details are below). I look forward to speaking with you.

You might also like to check out my YouTube video series (playlist), "We're Getting Married" on my YouTube Channel, which offers a guided path for choosing, creating, and preparing for your special ceremony. This is completely free, and doesn't require you to think about possibly using me as your minister!

If you decide that you want to engage me, I'll then suggest meeting in order to discuss in more detail how you want your ceremony to be (of course, with many suggestions of my own if you're starting with a blank sheet). We'll also talk about the vows that you'll take and any ring blessing (or similar). I'll then draft a suggested ceremony for you to take a look at and, after agreeing any changes, will arrange a time when we can run through the main parts of the ceremony as a rehearsal for the real occasion. Please call me at any time during this preparation to discuss any aspect of the ceremony that comes to mind.

Please note that currently in England and Wales non-denominational ministers such as myself are not able to act as a legal regisrar for marriages, although we can perform wedding blessings and ceremonies.

Click here to download examples of vows and ring blessings.

Click here to download an example wedding ceremony.

Click here to download my brochure.

What is a ceremony? I offer my thoughts on the purpose and value of ceremony in this brief video. Simply click on the play button above to watch.

We're Getting Married

How to decide upon and create your special ceremony? Here, I introduce my series of brief YouTube videos considering this very topic, all supported by a range of handouts to help you work through you thinking and planning! Simply click on the play button above to watch, and see more videos in my "We're Getting Married" series (playlist) on my YouTube Channel. You can download the handouts from here.

Clive Johnson Email:   clive.johnson@interfaithministry.co.uk Phone:  +44 (0)7956 942980 Skype:  cliverj2

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