Saturday, June 9, 2012

The Justice of the Peace, JP

THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE (JP)



I was conferred Honorary Justice of the Peace (JP) by Rivers state judiciary, Nigeria, on September 14, 2010. But because I am a citizen of the United States, my status change was also presented to my state of residence Pennsylvania judiciary through HCCS.

A Justice of the Peace (JP) is a judicial elected officer appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace. Depending on the jurisdiction, JP might dispense summary justice or merely deal with local administrative matters or applications in common law jurisdiction. Justice of the Peace are elected from citizens of jurisdiction in which they serve, and are (or were) usually not required to have a formal legal education in order to qualify for the office or appointment - Wikipedia.

In Nigeria, A justice of the Peace is typically someone with leadership qualities, one of good stature and character who is authorized to witness and sign statutory declaration, a power of attorney and guardianship. A JP is selected or recommended by advisory committee approved by state attorney general.

In the United States, A Justice of the Peace also performs civil marriages. A justice of the peace can actually oversee a marriage union directly and other court related and administrative matters.

So, today, I was put to the test under supervision to conduct a renewal vows between V. Konteh and S. Konteh (both Liberia immigrants) in a private ceremony witnessed by family and friends - This Day Saturday, June 9, 2012.

THE MARRIAGE

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here before God and family and friends, to join together Mr. S. Konteh and Mrs. V. Konteh in Holy Matrimony which is a honorable estate established by God before the fall of man, signifying to us the mystical union between Jesus Christ and His Church; this Holy Estate Christ both honored and beautiful with his presence at the wedding in Canaan of Galilee, where he performed his first miracle;it is also commended of Saint Paul to be great honor among all men.

It is not therefore a thing to be rushed into, or under-taken or instituted lightly to satisfy our canal lusts and appetites like brute beast that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, sobriety and in fear of God, carefully considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.

Firstly, it was ordained for the mutual society, help and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other both in prosperity and adversity, into which Holy Estate these two wonderful people here present come now to be joined.

Secondly, it was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of contingency might marry and keep themselves underfilled members of Christ's body.

Thirdly, it was ordained for procreation of children; to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord and to the praise of his holy Name.

Therefore, if any man or woman can show any just cause, Y Mr. S Konteh and Mrs. V Konteh, may not be lawfully joined together let him or her now speak or else hereafter forever hold your peace.

None...? So ladies and gentlemen and observers, as S. Konteh and V. Konteh have agreed to be joined together in holy matrimony (today June 9, 2012) and even as they have confessed this before God and YOU and backed up with the giving and receiving of the Holy Bible as an everlasting testament, I HEREBY PRONOUNCE THEM AS HUSBAND AND WIFE.

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother to be with his wife and the two shall become one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together let no man put as under.

CONGRATULATIONS! You may now kiss your bride !

Dr. Fenibo Braide, JP
Posted on the web Sat. June 9, 2012