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I have been a licensed United Methodist Pastor, an ordained pastor in a local church, a volunteer chaplain and paid chaplain for a hospice company. But, as of the moment. I am only a volunteer chaplain for two organizations in Shelby County, Alabama.My son and future daughter in law are getting married on 7/14/2012. The officiant will be a pastor from Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. The ceremony will take place at that church in Atlanta, Georgia. Is it OK for me to take part in doing some of the activities of the wedding? They, the officiant and the wedding couple, have asked for my role to be significant. The officiant would start and end the wedding. My role would be the vows through the ring ceremony.I have a Masters in Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary.What do you think?
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: United States State (if USA): Georgia Already Tried: First request.
If you are ordained as a minister of any church, then under GA law as long as you have ordination or investment by the Church you have the authority to even perform the marriage rite. GA does not even have a law requiring you to file your proof with the state. As long as you are recognized by any church as ordained, you are capable of participating or even performing the ceremony in GA.
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The church where I was ordained, Cahaba Valley Church, on Caldwell Mill in Birmingham, Alabama, has ceased having worship services, closed the church, and sold the church to a another Christian group.
Is your ordination still valid?
Yes. I am an ordained minister. I am not currently in communion with a church congregation.
If your ordination is still valid, then GA allows you to perform a ceremony of marriage. However, in this case, you will not be actually performing the marriage, the minister of the church where the wedding is held will be and you will merely be assisting and as long as he does the marriage, you may assist in any manner acceptable to him.
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Thanks
Thank you and congratulations on your son's wedding and I wish them a long and happy life together.