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All Marriages at the Church of the Transfiguration must conform to the laws of the State governing the creation of the civil status of Marriage and also to the laws of the Episcopal Church governing the solemnization of Holy Matrimony, both of which speak to the subject of Remarriage after Divorce.
If either of the parties is divorced with a living ex-spouse, at least 75 days' notice must be given in order to allow time to request in writing the required Judgment of the Bishop of Chicago. Applications for Judgment cannot be filed until at least six months after the date of the last relevant divorce decree. The Officiant must examine a copy of the divorce decree(s) during Premarital Counseling and keep a copy on file. If any other Episcopal Clergyperson has refused to officate the Marriage, that fact must be disclosed and the reasons stated as part of the Application for Judgment from the Bishop. The Bishop's Judgment is based primarily on the recommendation of the Officiant and the Diocesan Pastoral Care Officer, with particular concern for the relational dynamics of the previous marriage and the Officiant's assessment of the possibilities of the subsequent marriage. The Officiant is to instruct the divorced party that continued concern must be shown for the well being of the former spouse and all children of the previous marriage. The Officiant must determine to his or her satisfaction that the divorced party has made provision for these responsibilities. To apply for the Bishop's Judgment, the Officiant files an Application for Judgment as to Marital Status in the Eyes of the Church with the Office of Pastoral Care of the Diocese of Chicago. |
