In our faith, marriage is the sacramental rite in which two persons "enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows" (BCP, p. 861). At the Declaration of Consent, both persons promise to love, comfort, honor, and keep their spouse, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to their spouse as long as they both live (BCP, p. 424). The congregation witnesses the couple’s promises, and the members of the congregation promise to do all in their power to uphold the couple in their marriage. Due to the seriousness of the congregation's role in this event, we respectfully ask that you DECLINE YOUR INVITATION if for any reason we do not have your whole hearted support as we receive the sacrament of marriage.