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Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 9:17 am
by atkuzmanov
Hello everyone,

I will be having my British Citizenship Ceremony soon and I have the following questions.

I have to take an Oath or an Affirmation.

I assume that the main difference between the two is that for the Oath you swear by God and the Affirmation does not involve God?

So I assume that the Oath is for the more religious people and the Affirmation is for atheists?

Are there any other differences?

My main question is what are the main differences between taking the Oath and taking the Affirmation?


Thanks,
atkuzmanov

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 10:58 am
by Casa
The Oath is sworn on the Bible and is therefore for Christians. Those of other religions, agnostic or atheist may choose to Affirm.

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 10:08 am
by atkuzmanov
Thank you for your reply @Casa! : )

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 10:09 am
by Casa
You're welcome. Enjoy your ceremony :D

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 1:30 pm
by chocolateorange88
Do they actually ask you that question then ... Via all the YouTube vids I watched don't have that

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 1:37 pm
by Casa
yesilgozlerim wrote:Do they actually ask you that question then ... Via all the YouTube vids I watched don't have that
This is for a Citizenship ceremony and there are no questions. Are you confusing this with the Life in the UK test? I'm assuming the OP wants to be able to join in with all the others when the National anthem is sung. :roll:

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 1:40 pm
by chocolateorange88
no no not confusing with LIUK . I watch citizen ceremonies on YouTube just to know what to expect. I just wondered if they ever asked any questions but judging that there's so many people in the room at the ceremony, it wouldn't be possible

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 1:42 pm
by CR001
Perhaps once you receive your approval and book your ceremony you could ask the council. I remember when I booked my ceremony I was asked which I wanted to do and the relevant sheet (Oath) was in my named pack at the ceremony.

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 1:44 pm
by chocolateorange88
ooh so the council ask u if u want to do oath or affirmation!!

now I understand. my husband isn't Christian do I'd assume he would do affirmation.

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 1:46 pm
by CR001
It is a personal choice, there is no right or wrong answer. If he is not religious, he can opt for the affirmation, it makes no real difference which one he does.

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 1:53 pm
by Casa
Sorry...I confused this thread with one where the OP asked about the National Anthem. :? Yes, as CR001 has confirmed, you are asked to choose.

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 1:55 pm
by chocolateorange88
I take it the council send you the words of the affirmation/oaths in the post

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 1:57 pm
by CR001
CR001 wrote:Perhaps once you receive your approval and book your ceremony you could ask the council. I remember when I booked my ceremony I was asked which I wanted to do and the relevant sheet (Oath) was in my named pack AT THE CEREMONY.

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 1:59 pm
by chocolateorange88
sorry! I understand now. and you literally just read it off the page in ur pack! I get it :) sorry I'm a bit slow x

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 2:02 pm
by CR001
You get a pack with your name on. In the pack from my council was the national anthem, the oath or affirmation, passport application form (think), a print out of some information from the Home Office, a passport cover and a few other bits I think.

Re: Oath vs. Affirmation British Citizenship Ceremony

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 2:17 pm
by chocolateorange88
ok Thankyou :)