Justice of the Peace Newsletter
March/April 2010
Happy Passover and Happy Easter
|
In This
Issue: |
| APRIL SPECIAL: Package of Gold Seals Included with Every Embossing Kit Order |
JPs who are also Universal Life Church (ULC) Ministers Speak Up
Quite a response to our query about being a Universal Life Minister. We've learned that ULC is hardly the only denomination offering a quick route to ordination.
"I've been a Connecticut JP since 1976 and a Universal Life minister since 1999. It's come in very handy. Over the years, I've performed marriages in NY, NJ, RI. among ogther states. A friend who was a CT JP for many years before moving to NC joined ULC at my suggestion and is doing fabulously." Kurt Zimbler, Stamford CT
"YES I have been a Universal Life minister for the past 12 years. Couples have chosen me to officiate because I am both a JP and a minister. They may not want a religious ceremony but need to show relatives that their marriage certificate was signed by a member of the clergy. Families are complex!" Josef Porteleki, Boston
"I am an ordai
ned Minister through the
First Nation
Church as well as a JP." Donna G. Barsalou,
Enfield CT.
"I am both a JP and a Universal Life Minister," writes Marie Killackey, Cambridge MA. She advises any couple considering hiring a so-called "Internet minister" to ensure that they may legally officiate in their state.
 "Membership of NCIOM is required for one full lunar cycle before Ordination shall be considered. Eligibility: Members in good standing of the NCIOM Church. Tolerant of all faiths. Ethical in manner and behaviour. Willing and able to fulfill all responsibilities of ministry. Written application and statement of intent. Ordinations require the 'hands-on' blessing by at least two other church members and the official seal of NCIOM." |
"It is very interesting that you featured Universal Life Ministers in your newsletter. I have had two requests in the last two months to just sign a wedding license because friends are being ordained [as ULC ministers] strictly so they can officiate. I declined both requests because I am not comfortable with this. Also my understanding is that this is not legal in CT." Patricia A. Lucas, Fairfield CT. Ed: Actually, it is perfectly legal for you to sign the license regardless of who is doing the public ceremony, as long as you adhere to your state's requirements. How do you handle such requests?
SEEKING
...French-speaking NH JP
"It is hard to believe that there are no JPs speaking some French in NH!" write Cathy and Jerome, a couple planning to wed in Keene, NH on May 29, 2010. Do you qualify? Remember, you can live in VT or MA and officiate in NH (as long as you're a JP in your own state. See findajp.com/findnh.htm.) Write to us if you (or another JP you know) can help.
Licensed Professional Counselor and JP Association member looking for office space to share in the Greater Hartford, New Britain or New Haven area. Call Paul at 860-516-4496.
Surprise: Cohabiting Doesn't Increase Marriage
Success
According to a new study by the
National Center for Health Statistics, couples who live together before
they get married are less likely to stay married. But their chances improve if they were already
engaged when they began living together. Since the study is
based on data
collected by the
National Survey of Family Growth
in 2002, results today would likely be (somewhat) different.
See PDF of entire report.
Nevertheless, for what it's worth:
- On average, one in five marriages
will dissolve within five years. One in three will last less
than 10 years.
-
Cohabitation is increasingly becoming the first co-residential union formed among young adults. Over half of marriages began as a cohabitation, transitioning to marriage within 3 years.
- The majority of men and women aged 25–44 are currently married or cohabiting. Among women aged 18–19, cohabitation was more common than marriage. For women aged 25–44, marriage was more common, with 62% married and 8% cohabiting.
- The fastest-growing subset of cohabiting couples is 50 or older.
Vermont follows Massachusetts in permitting Officiant for a Day
Did you know? As of July 1, 2008, Vermont law allows the Secretary of State to authorize individuals to officiate at a specific marriage in Vermont. Fee is $100. Authorization must be attached to the marriage license which is returned to the issuing municipal clerk. Authorization expires at the same time as the corresponding license.
Are you featured on
findaJP.com?
NO? Then join www.jpUS.org.