Pennsylvania Weddings By Clergy Without Congregations Ruled Invalid

Earlier this month, a York County, Pennsylvania judge ruled that Pennsylvania law limits clergy who can perform weddings to those who have a "regularly established church or congregation." (23 Pa. Consol. Stats. 1503). Law.com reported last week on the decision that came in the case of a couple who broke up seven months after their wedding ceremony was performed by a Universal Life Church minister who was ordained online. Apparently the effect of the ruling was to eliminate the need for the couple to obtain a divorce. Philadelphia's NBC10 outlines the implications of the ruling on other couples.