Announcements

Coronavirus Update #4

It has been seven months since our communities shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic, turning our worlds upside down. Life during a pandemic is hard. Quarantine fatigue is real. Covid burnout – we’re probably all there. Despite this, we move forward, because that is the only option. That is what we do.
For these reasons and more, we at JPus have been busy creating resources for our membership. Our goal is to help you safely and successfully navigate marriages during this time. Our situations are changing, and therefore we need to stay up-to-date and move fluidly. We strive to provide the guidance you are looking for, making sense of sometimes confusing or conflicting information.JPus’ networking events offer many benefits. The next Zoom call is on October 29th at noon. We’re in this together, and we’re here for each other.

Community Spread

As the leader of the ceremony, officiants have both influence and authority. This is a big deal – especially during this time. And, it comes with a hefty responsibility. For our own safety, and that of others, we can set the tone. The pastor who led the super-spreader wedding in Maine leading to at least 177 positive COVID cases and eight deaths is making international news with his defiant stance. He is the model of what not to do! On the other hand, you can be the calm voice of reason – and safety.
In fact, we need to acknowledge that the biggest source of community spread is private gatherings. Meaning, gatherings in private homes or other locations – similar to where many weddings take place. Being diligent about mask wearing and hand washing is paramount, and emphasizing outdoor events, even in the winter, is needed. Accordingly, I hope that you’ve taken our COVID training certification for marriage officiants (it is free!), so you understand steps to take to mitigate risk.

Ceremonies

In addition to providing guidance to our members, we are promoting findaJP and providing tips for couples, too. Fortunately, contacts to members’ listings on findaJP.com have been steady. There is an inherent nature about civil officiants that invokes a feeling of trust. Not to mention, our members follow a Code of Ethics that says they’ll always act in their clients’ best interest. So, while there may be a dip in marriages overall during the pandemic, the JPs and notaries listed on findaJP are doing okay.
Marriage ceremonies have changed. They are smaller (of course), and getting creative to find safe locations with air flow is needed. The wedding industry’s general message has been to postpone, not cancel. Nonetheless, officiants have been more fortunate than many others in the business. Couples can – and do – have two weddings. A small, intimate ceremony now, and a larger celebration later, also with nuptials! It is natural that couples anguish over what to do. Our monthly blog articles focus on areas that they struggle with. Written with the bridal couple in mind, they are also a resource for our officiants. Use them for ideas as you counsel your clients, and send them to your clients when you know that they are relevant. They will appreciate it – and you.
In the meantime, know that you can rely upon us. Stay connected with updates on our website, sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media and more. And, if you don’t see the answer you are looking for, the Justice of the Peace Association is just an email or phone call away.
Be well and safe,
Loretta Jay
Managing Member

Related Links

★ Member support articles about managing COVID

Open Forum Zoom Call

October 5th, 2020, 6-7:00pm

Join in the conversation with fellow marriage officiants. Monday evening, October 5, 2020 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. We’ll have an open forum to allow for questions and answers and friendly banter. This is a members only call. Log-in information is available here.

COVID Marriages Discussion

Join the Zoom call to connect with fellow marriage officiants and talk about ceremonies during the pandemic: Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at noon. What is working, and what isn’t.? These are difficult times. Use your network of pros to brainstorm strategies for safety and success. More information and the link to join the Zoom call.

2020 Legislative Wrap-up

All of the legislation that JPus has been following has wrapped up for the 2020 spring session. A summary of each follows.

Amateur Officiants

Massachusetts

The Resolve for a commission study to evaluate the one-day solemnizer rule passed out of committee favorably at the end of February. But, then it got stuck and died in March. In order to plan for next year, we’ve spoken with Senator Cyr’s office and requested that the bill be resubmitted in January. More about our work to address one-day solemnizer problems.

New Hampshire

After the special marriage officiant bill died in the House, it was revived as an amendment in the Senate. Under guise of the pandemic, no head’s up was given to constituents. The language allowing lay officiants was attached to a sure-to-pass bill that protected children from sexual assault. Even worse, the senators were coy when introducing the floor amendment, neglecting to share the existing controversy about it. It passed and is on its way to the Governor. He won’t veto the bill, but we’re in discussions to have an executive order to stop implementation of the temporary officiant parts. We also submitted an op-ed reiterating our ask to Governor Sununu. The details are in the nitty-gritty backstory.

Child Marriage

Massachusetts

All non-covid legislation is on hold in the state, and that includes S2294, An Act to End Child Marriage. JPus has been involved, as a member of the Massachusetts Coalition to End Child Marriage, and submitting testimony in support of the legislation. Read about our activity.

New Hampshire

The bill to end child marriage in New Hampshire passed the House of Representatives, but then got tabled in June before being heard in the Senate. It will be resubmitted for the 2021 session. Read about JPus’ support of this bill.

Pennsylvania

With a unanimous vote, Pennsylvania ended child marriage in the state. Governor Wolf signed it into law on May 8th, 2020! Four states down, 46 to go. JPus submitted testimony in support of the legislation.

Revised Code of Ethics

We are pleased to announce that the Justice of the Peace Association’s Code of Ethics has been revised and updated to better reflect our organization’s values. The Code of Ethics sets the standards of conduct and makes clear what the expectations are for professional marriage officiants who choose to belong to our association.
The language we’ve always used required members to act in clients’ best interest and in ways that reflect favorably on themself and others. Even so, we saw a need to be more explicit. This update is just one aspect of our efforts to be a part of the solution to eradicate racism and discrimination.
At the onset, we strove to be transparent and involve membership in the process. Therefore, on June 8th we invited members to review and comment on a draft version of the revised Code of Ethics. This was done by posting an announcement on the JPus website, by email, and through our social media accounts. Every comment and suggestion was thoughtfully considered. During our process we differentiated between a code of conduct and best practices. Guidance on best practices is offered through professional development and training material. Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback. We appreciate both the voices of confidence, and the tips for improvement.

Related Links

★ The updated Code of Ethics
★ The prior Code of Ethics
★ The rules governing enforcement of violations to the Code of Ethics are explained in our Terms of Use Policy
★ Issues that JPus is an active voice for are on our Advocacy page