Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man.
For Christians marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of Discipleship. In a service of Christian Marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith. This discussion is equally important in the case of a first marriage, a marriage after the death of a spouse, and a marriage following divorce. If the minister is convinced after discussion with the couple that commitment, responsibility, maturity, or Christian understanding are so lacking that the marriage is unwise, the minister shall assure the couple of the Church's continuing concern for them and not conduct the ceremony. In making this decision the minister may seek the counsel of the Session.