AboutJoel Bjorling Expertise I can answer questions on the basic teachings, practices, and history of the Baha`i Faith and can provide information on diverse Baha`i groups (as the Orthodox Baha`is).
Experience I have personally studied the Baha'i Faith for over twenty years and published a reference book on the Faith entitled THE BAHA'I FAITH; AN HISTORICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY. I also hold a Masters degree in Theological Studies.
Publications THE BAHA'I FAITH: AN HISTORICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY (Garland Publishing,1985).
Education/Credentials BA in Behavioral Sciences (Oral Roberts University)
MATS (McCormick Theological Seminary)
Further study, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Expert: Joel Bjorling Date: 2/12/2008 Subject: marriage
Question I have been seeing a man who is of the Bahia faith for four years. We have not been intimate. This has not been easy. We have a legal problem. I have epilepsy. My medications cost $3500.00 a month. I am on SSI and Social Security. SSI will not pay for my medications if I do marry. The man is wonderful but he too has a disability from a broken back. Is there a way around having to get a marriage certificate. He has asked his father for permission and we would follow all other things Bahia request in a marriage ceremony, such as two witnesses, etc. I know that people in Iran don't have marriage certificates. He has written the General Assembly but if we marry without the certificate in this country, he would lose his administrative rights. What is your opinion? Thank you. Joanna
Answer It sounds like you have at least a couple different issues: (1) receiving medical payments if you are married, and (2) Baha'i stipulations about marriage. With SSI, etc., you'd have to check with the particular authorities on that. Regarding Baha'i marriage, all I know is that a couple needs to include the phrase "We will abide by the will of God" in the ceremony. Baha'i ceremonies, I believe, are planned in cooperation with the local spiritual assembly.I am a nondenominational minister, and I have performed several wedding services. You need a marriage license, which is filed with the county clerk. The law (in Illinois, anyway) requires that the license by signed by the people marrying and two witnesses. To get married, you do need to be aware of laws of your state because they can differ from state to state. There have been "common law" marriages where couple likely did not have a ceremony or formal certificate, but I don't know how they work or whether they have the force of law regarding, say, the purchase of property (as husband and wife) or inheritance. Would your friend lose administrative rights because he does not have a marriage certificate? It's not so much a certificate you'll need as it is the marriage license. I've seen where the cerficate and license are part of the same document. The certificate is given to the couple (in honor of their marriage) and the license is filed in the courthouse. It is possible to be married without a certificate, but you do need a properly filled out marriage license. (That's what legally makes you married!) As I say, the license and certificate may be part of the same package. You keep the certificate and you file the license. I hope that helps.
