The head of Perth's Anglican Church has dismissed civil marriage ceremonies as "sentimental fuzz" as new figures reveal more than 70 per cent of WA couples opt for civil celebrants over religious ministers to conduct their nuptials.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show just 27 per cent of weddings in WA were conducted by a religious official in 2010 - down more than 2 per cent on the previous year - while 78.2 per cent were overseen by a civil celebrant.

Anglican Archbishop of Perth Roger Herft said the statistics were a sign of the times but true commitment could only be forged in the house of God.

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Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Anglican Church of Australia • * Culture-Watch • Law & Legal Issues • Marriage & Family • Religion & Culture • * Religion News & Commentary • Other Faiths • Secularism

1. clarin wrote: “The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show just 27 per cent of weddings in WA were conducted by a religious official in 2010 - down more than 2 per cent on the previous year - while 78.2 per cent were overseen by a civil celebrant.” Well, that accounts for 105.2% of them. Put these guys in charge of the budget deficit! March 21, 7:55 am | [comment link]

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