Presbyterian Assembly hears Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill could put 'frivolous' and humanist marriages in law
A bill passing through Stormont could put standard religious marriages on an equal footing in law with "frivolous" and humanist marriages for the first time, Presbyterians have heard.
The warning came from Rev Daniel Kane, Convener of the Council for Public Affairs in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI).
He was speaking on the second day of the 2026 Annual General Assembly of the church, at Assembly Buildings in Belfast.
Representatives had come from over 500 congregation across the island to debate the direction of the church for the year ahead.
The gathering finished early at 1pm due to major public transport cancellations, delaying the installation of the new moderator, Rev Richard Kerr.
Opening his speech, Rev Kane condemned the stabbing attack that happened in north Belfast on Monday which preceded street violence on Tuesday, offering prayers for the victim and his family "and everyone who has been affected by the very upsetting scenes of violence, especially those forced from their homes".
Accounting for the work of the council over the previous 12 months, he noted that the Finance Minister's Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill - introduced on 16 March 2026 - seeks to place "non-religious belief marriages" within the statutory framework of the Marriage (NI) Order 2003.
"This would give legal recognition to non-religious belief marriages, for example, humanist ceremonies," he said.
"We’re concerned that this Bill will dilute the understanding of marriage as a solemn and permanent covenant between one man and one woman.
The council lobbied the Finance Committee for the bill to ensure the bill "does not facilitate eccentric or frivolous marriage ceremonies to ensure that so-called belief bodies seeking registration are genuine".
They are also opposed marriage ceremonies being offered on a for-profit basis. Last September the Council responded to the draft anti-poverty strategy on behalf of the General Assembly, "advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable in our society" he said.
It also welcomed the Government lifting the “Two Child Benefit” cap in April.
Rev Kane gave thanks that Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill had failed, and gave thanks for "the fall" of Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at the end of April in Westminster.
The committee will continue to advocate strongly for equitable and sustainable statutory funding for Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care services, he added.
Dr Rebecca Stevenson, Public Affairs Officer of the council, reminded the assembly that last year the Supreme Court ruled that aspects of current RE in NI schools was unlawful.
In response the Minister for Education commissioned a review and PCI has been accepted as part of the Churches Consultative group.
In the south, the council is also engaging with the 2026 Convention of Education, which will "shape the future of education".
Dr Stevenson praised the council's news ‘Graciously Confident Podcast’ which provides "biblically informed insight" on a wide range of issues.
In March the church's Peace and Reconciliation Panel launched 'Considering Lament: Psalms of Protest Pain and Hope', which was done in conjunction with families whose loved ones were killed in the Troubles.
She added that in the past year, the council had "appreciated the opportunity to support the church leaders, as they spoke out against the issue of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls".