The Manual

¶630.3.1.9 Same-Sex Unions The Free Methodist Church in Canada holds that Christian marriage can only be the union of “one man and one woman” who have made a public covenant and vow before God and the state (Genesis 2:20-24, Mark 10:6-9). Therefore, it would be a breach of the doctrine […]

¶630.3.1.8 Exceptional Cases Cases may arise for which the pastor or the membership care committee can find no explicit direction in this Manual. In such cases, the pastor, after consultation with the committee, shall confer with the bishop.

¶630.3.1.7 Refusal of Counsel When a member divorces a spouse in violation of the Scriptures, or remarries without seeking the counsel or following the guidance of the pastor or the membership care committee, the committee shall review the case and recommend appropriate action to the official board. Corrective action shall

¶630.3.1.6 Remarriage After a Divorce A divorced member or one who is considering marriage to a divorced person must come under the authority, counsel and guidance of the church. Persons who have been involved in divorce while in a state of unbelief shall not for that reason alone be barred

¶630.3.1.5 Recovery After Divorce Divorce always produces trauma. It is the breaking of a covenant, thus violating God’s intention for faithfulness in marriage (Malachi 2:13-16). For this reason divorced persons should be helped to understand and remedy the causes for the divorce. They should seek pastoral counsel. Professional counsel may

¶630.3.1.4 Principles Regarding Divorce When one marriage partner is a Christian and the other a nonbeliever, we believe that the Christian may not for that reason divorce the unchristian mate (I Corinthians 7:12-13), because Christian love may redeem the unbeliever and unite the home in Christ (I Corinthians 7:16, I

¶630.3.1.3 Healing Troubled Marriages The church which is alive to God has spiritual resources for marriages in trouble. The chief resources are the renewing power of the Holy Spirit and the Word, prayer and the sacraments, counsel and support. Through the church’s ministry, God can bring healing and reconciliation. Therefore,

¶630.3.1.2 Nurturing Healthy Marriages The Free Methodist Church urges its people to enter the covenant of marriage prayerfully. In accordance with the apostle’s command (II Corinthians 6:14), we expect them to marry only believers. Ministers are required to use diligent care when being requested to solemnize a marriage. While our

¶630.3.1.1 Principles Regarding Marriage Nature of Marriage: At creation God instituted marriage for the well being of humanity. Marriage is the joining of one man and one woman into a lifelong, covenant relationship which the Scriptures call “one flesh.” (Genesis 2:18-24; Mark 10:6-9). The Scriptures also say that this covenant

¶630.3.1 The Christian and Marriage