Engagement represents a serious promise of marriage. If desired, the engagement blessing can be dispensed during a divine service. The engaged couple publicly declares before the congregation their intent to prepare themselves for marriage in a manner pleasing to God. Upon this they receive the blessing of God.^[71]

6.6.1 Prerequisites

An engagement blessing can be dispensed if

• both bride and bridegroom are eligible for marriage according to statutory provisions,
• at least one partner is New Apostolic,
• the couple is not cohabiting, and does not plan to do so in the foreseeable future.

6.6.2 Preparation, sequence, and wording

In those cultural regions in which engagement blessings are generally sought, the District Apostles will provide information concerning the preparation, sequence, and wording of this act of blessing.