Did you know that the statement

''should anyone here present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace''
is usually uttered at the wrong time by most Ministers of God in the course of joining a man and a woman to become one?

The idea behind the formulation of this banns is to abhor clandestine marriage and it is indeed a great idea!

However, it beats me why most Ministers of God do fail to comply with the procedure guiding this pronouncement in marriage ceremonies!

Oxford Dictionary defines banns as ''a notice read out on three successive Sundays ... announcing an intended marriage and giving the opportunity for objections.''

This simply means that the statement should be read out *some weeks before the commencement of the marriage ceremony.*

By advising that officiating minister not to make the announcement on the D-day, you will save yourself of disgrace, emotional stress and/ or shock, social ostracism and great loss.

God forbid that someone inadvertently or intentionally raises his/her hand to object !

I would appreciate if this can make FP 'cos it could save Nigerians.

Akinade Dove