Policies & Procedures

Baptism

We have an ‘open’ policy regarding Baptism (Christening).
This means that all who live within the United Benefice Boundaries are entitled to be baptised here, following a short period of instruction.

The recommended times for baptism are:

St Mary’s Church:   10.45am (public service) or 12.15pm (private)
All Saints’ Church:    9.15am (public service) or 2pm (private)
St Andrew’s Church: between 2pm—3pm
Marriage

Residency

As the law stands at the present (summer 2003), to qualify to marry in any parish church at least one of the persons to be married must live in that parish or have a ‘home base’ in that parish (e.g. armed forces personnel, or university students who may live away but still regard that address as home.)

Banns

The Banns (publication of the intention to marry) are a legal requirement. The Banns must be called in the church in which the couple intend to marry (and also, if applicable, in the church of the parish of residence if one of the couple lives in another parish, in which case a certificate of banns will be required before the wedding can take place). Banns must be called within the three months immediately prior to the wedding.

Remarriage after divorce

In July 2002 the Church of England General synod debated the issue of remarriage after divorce. Five points were raised:

The Synod

1.  affirmed the fundamental character of marriage as a ‘lifelong covenant’;
2. Accepted the regrettable fact that some marriages fail;
3. Asserted that there may be exceptional circumstances in which divorced people may be         remarried in church;
4. Recognised that the decision as to whether or not to solemnize the marriage lies with the      minister;
5.    Appended advice to the clergy from the House of Bishops on how incumbents might reach a decision.
All enquiries for marriage, including those seeking remarriage after divorce: 01380-860650
Funerals and burial regulations

Funerals

Sally, Liz and Scott offer sensitive bereavement care, visiting the bereaved and working with them to produce an appropriate service either in church or at the crematorium.

The right to burial

If the deceased was resident within the parish boundaries he/she is entitled to be buried in the appropriate churchyard. The exception being All Cannings, as that churchyard is closed for burials. In this case there is a public cemetery on the edge of All Cannings village. All three churchyards have a space set aside for the interment of cremated remains.

Headstones and memorials

The Church of England sets strict regulations concerning the size, material, design and inscriptions of headstones erected in their churchyards. The regulations may be inspected on application to the Salisbury Diocesan Registry. Phone 01722-411141.

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