Officials from the All Nations Church participated at a day-long training at the Suvavou House organised by the Registrar General’s office.
The training will enable these officers most of whom officiate at marriage ceremonies, to be better equipped and understand the regulations and laws when officiating at marriages.
Acting registrar general Leba Drole said the workshop was targeted at pastors of the ANC because these officers mostly conduct marriage ceremonies especially in rural areas.
“The workshop helped them know their responsibility according to the marriage law so that they can perform their duty honestly and obediently,” Ms Drole said.
She reminded the marriage officers of the two types of marriage according to law.
“The first one is conducted at the Registrar Generals office and the other one is married by a church pastor,” Ms Drole said.
“A pastor can only qualify to become a marriage officer if he is registered as one. The names of these marriage officers usually appear in the government Gazette every year,” she said.
The other type of marriage is conducted in our church or homes by the ‘talatala’ or pastor.
“For any couple who wants to go through marriage by a pastor or marriage officer, the couple need to obtain their marriage license first from the officer of the Register General,” Ms Drole added.
“A talatala cannot conduct the marriage ceremony without the availability of the couple’s marriage license.”
Ms Drole added that couples who need to get married by government and church at the same time need to seek the assistance of a registered marriage officer.
She highlighted that these were some of the challenges usually experienced and such workshops will avoid unlicensed marriages.
Marriage officer Emosi Salele said the workshop was an eye opener for him.
“We are thankful to the office of the Registrar General for this initiative because it is important for marriage officers to conduct their duty in accordance to the law,” Mr Salele said.
Ms Drole said these workshops will continue for all marriage officers in the different denominations of Fiji.
(Caption - Emosi Salele receives his attendance certificate from Acting Registra General Leba Drole)
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