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Weddings

The wedding ceremony reflects the humanistic values of Ethical Culture, and the joy and significance of the occasion. The focus is on the couple—their values, commitments, and styles—and on the ideals of Ethical Culture as they pertain to marriage. Ethical Culture wedding ceremonies express a warm and simple dignity, with values and personalism that can be appreciated by all.

A successful way of giving the ceremony this personal dimension is by inviting the couple to collaborate with the Leader in its creation. Elements couples may include in the ceremony are: a greeting to guests; brief talks by friends/relatives; an instrumental or vocal piece; a ceremony within the ceremony such as lighting a candle, drinking wine from a common goblet, etc.; composing and speaking personal vows; or recommending concepts to be included in the Leader’s presentation.

Ethical Culture wedding ceremonies are humanistic ceremonies and therefore do not include prayer or theistic references. Ethnic and cultural traditions expressing the backgrounds of the couple may be factored into the ceremony.

The American Ethical Union has always supported the legalization of marriage for couples of the same sex or gender. Thanks to the Supreme Court decision in June 2015, celebrants can officiate at weddings for same-sex couples throughout the USA.

To prepare a wedding ceremony, contact your local Ethical Society or the AEU office.

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American Ethical Union
American Ethical Union
The American Ethical Union calls for nontheist participation in National Inaugural Interfaith Service.On Thursday January 21st, the Washington National Cathedral will host a virtual presidential inaugural interfaith service to mark the inauguration of Joe Biden as president. While presented as an opportunity to bring the whole nation together, and while part of the “America United” inaugural activities, one large community will not be represented at all: atheists, agnostics, humanists, and the nonreligious. Millions of Americans today make meaning and express their personal and civic values without reference to a god or traditional religious beliefs. These Americans deserve a voice, and should be included in formal interfaith programming like the Inaugural Service. Read our full statement here: aeu.org/resource/aeu-calls-for-nontheist-participation-in-national-inaugural-interfaith-service/ ... See MoreSee Less

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American Ethical Union
American Ethical Union
Today, as the nation continues to recover from an attempted white supremacist insurrection at our capitol, we are reflecting upon this quote from the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. #MLK #MLKDay #MLK2021 #king #martinlutherkingjr #today #EthicalCulture #ethics #2021 ... See MoreSee Less

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American Ethical Union
American Ethical Union
AEU Statement Regarding the Events of January 6thYesterday, we watched in shock and horror as a violent mob attacked the US Capitol, forcing their way inside and occupying areas of the building for hours in an attempt to disrupt the certification of electoral votes submitted by the states. By the end of the day, 4 people were dead, 52 members of the seditious mob were arrested, and 14 police officers were injured. It took the assistance of many additional federal law enforcement personnel and the National Guard to remove the attackers from the Capitol and clear the way for the Joint Congress to resume its work.Fortunately, the Joint Congress was resolute and refused to let the interruption derail our democracy, working through the night to certify the electoral vote counts for all of the states. However, this episode was an attack on democracy itself, instigated by a sitting president whose actions have severely undermined respect for and trust in the very system that put him in office. Mr. Trump has shown only contempt for the democratic process and is a danger to our country. People who are in a position to remove Mr. Trump from office ought to proceed in haste as this president has repeatedly shown readiness to incite violence and mayhem, and also continues to demonstrate an obsession with the electoral results to the seeming exclusion of other national concerns. Our democratic system of government must be protected from his influence.As Ethical Humanists, we are called upon to repudiate the anti-democratic tendencies that have gained an unwelcome foothold in public life. Our country will need us to elicit the best from one another and ourselves in the months and years to come.#Jan6 #ethicalhumanism ow.ly/uxes50D2Gzn ... See MoreSee Less

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American Ethical Union
American Ethical Union
Share your voice! The AEU is seeking volunteers to contribute to our World Human Rights Day Project. Learn more here: ow.ly/YGDC50CYYPL ... See MoreSee Less

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American Ethical Union | 2 West 64th Street, New York, NY 10023 | Phone: (212) 873-6500 | office@aeu.org