The use of meetings for clearness in preparation for marriage
The conduct of meetings for clearness is covered in 12.22-12.25. A few special points should be noted in this context:
a. it will not be appropriate to include close relatives of the couple in the membership of the meeting for clearness;
b. when an application has been received and it is agreed that a meeting for clearness should be held, at least one elder or one overseer (or experienced Friend, where these officers are not appointed) should be included in the group; in most such cases the registering officer will also join it so that he or she is in a position to give guidance to the area meeting as to whether the marriage should be allowed;
c. any personal matters that are disclosed in the course of the meeting should be regarded as confidential to the group;
d. subsequently, the registering officer should be in a position to recommend to the area meeting whether or not the couple should be allowed to marry according to our usage.
Next: 16.22
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