I have always dreamt of the day when I could officiate the wedding of my son and his beloved. Both my family and my son are deeply spiritual, holding faith in YHWH and Yeshua. However, none of us adhere to any established religious organisation. We are sincerely guided by our spiritual beliefs, yet under the current UK law, this isn’t enough to legally officiate a marriage.

In the UK, for a marriage to be legally recognised, it must be conducted by a religious minister of a designated faith or a registrar. This requirement leaves out a significant number of devoted spiritual individuals who, despite having a profound sense of faith, do not follow a registered religion. This system seems both outdated and exclusionary in our diverse and ever-evolving society.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of people identifying as 'spiritual but not religious' is increasing, a reflection of changing beliefs and practices of faith in the UK. Denying legal recognition to marriages officiated by individuals from this growing group undermines their right to celebrate and solemnise their union in a manner that aligns with their personal convictions.

The UK is a nation that values religious freedom, diversity, and equality. We must extend this ethos to encompass those who practice spirituality outside organised religion. I propose a change in the law to permit spiritual individuals who trust in YHWH and Yeshua, or hold other non-denominational beliefs, to conduct weddings that the state recognises legally. This change respects the evolving landscape of faith in the UK and acknowledges the rights of everyone to honour their beliefs.

We seek to amend the Marriage Act to recognise officiants from non-traditional and independent spiritual backgrounds so long as they are individuals of integrity and who meet any reasonable criteria that might be set for safeguarding and quality assurance. This change does not infringe upon the rights or recognition of existing religious or civil celebrations, but rather supplements and modernises the current framework.

By signing this petition, you help affirm the rights of spiritual individuals to partake fully in the sacred act of marriage, free from unnecessary legal constraints. Let us bring about this crucial change to reflect the spiritual diversity of our nation. Please sign this petition to support a more inclusive recognition of our spiritual community in the UK.