Thread by @chinmj

In an attempt to deal with the questions of @venchrisallsopp and others.

1) The big policy decision was to go from c20,000 separate marriage registers to 1 big electronic one.
2) that decision was Government's, made by Act of Parliament.
1/n

3) I'm not sure what consultation Gvmt did on this - I don't recall having seen anything prior to passage of Act.

4) Faculty Office have clearly not been in a position to say anything until very recently - even now, the Regulations have not been written by Government.
2/n

5. There were questions on this tabled at General Synod.

6. Previous communication would have been "something's changing and we can't tell you precisely what our when" which would likely not have been helpful.
3/n

7. CofE and CinW clergy remain in a privileged position not requiring the presence of a (civil) Registrar to sign and issue the Document which legally effects the Marriage. It's just in the new system marriages are not instantly registered.

8.) So yes, clergy no longer register marriages in the new system, but rather sign and issue the legal document which enables a couple to register a marriage, which the cleric has legally brought into effect (as defined by the Marriage Act, clergy are not "Registrars") 5/n

9) Neither the changes nor the timing are anything to do with either Church affected. They have communicated as quickly and with as much information as currently able, so might I respectfully suggest frustration is better directed elsewhere? 6/7

I will do my best with any further questions, but should probably have a weekend at some point, not least as the removal van arrives in Monday morning! 8/8

And apologies for typos!