Welcome letter

Congratulations!

If you are starting this postgraduate course, you have graduated from OneSpirit’s Spiritual Development and Ministry training and have been ordained. That is quite an achievement, and it is worth taking a moment to celebrate by quietly repeating your vow. Your vow is both your anchor and your north star in your ministry, and if you are reading this letter it is likely that you see legal wedding ceremonies as part of that ministry.

With that in mind, the aim of this training is to ensure that every Interfaith Minister who seeks to hold legal ceremonies in Scotland can undertake the role responsibly, representing OneSpirit (the nominating body) with confidence and professionalism, and fully understanding and complying with the legal obligations that come with being a legal solemniser.

Hundreds of Interfaith wedding ceremonies have been held in Scotland, and this course gathers that collective experience and presents it in a way that is accessible while giving you a clear understanding of the subtleties of what can and cannot be done legally. We are particularly grateful to Rev Jane Patmore, who held our legal wedding nominator role in Scotland for many years and has shared her knowledge and passion for legal weddings freely and widely. Much of the content of this training was developed by her.

The online content does not stand alone. It is the first part of a two-part training; the second part is OneSpirit’s autumn workshop on legal weddings in Scotland, held in person, which also gives new ministers an opportunity to build community and support for one another. Ministers on the Scottish registers are also required to attend ongoing CPD on a regular basis, to share best practice, stay aware of changes in legislation, comply with current requirements, and interpret and apply the latest guidance appropriately and consistently.

We welcome you to all that this journey holds for you. It is a great privilege and a delight to be able to hold legal weddings. Ministers doing this as part of their ministry carry a collective responsibility to uphold the reputation of OneSpirit, and a duty to the couples they marry to ensure legal compliance. We wish you well in this endeavour and pray that your presence blesses everyone you serve.