Mass. Episcopal Priests May Refuse All Marriages

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/10/100906episc.htm

Episcopal priests in Massachusetts, divided over the issue of same-sex marriage, are considering a proposal that would see the church stop performing all marriages.

The issue of whether to bless same-sex relationships has roiled Episcopal priests since same-sex marriage became legal in the state, and has threatened to sweep the Massachusetts diocese up in the controversy involving gays in the church that has engulfed the worldwide Anglican faith.

Many denominations in Europe have gotten out of the marriage business - allowing couples to have civil ceremonies and then if they want receiving a church blessing later. But in North America most couples opt for church weddings.

Recently a number of Unitarian pastors have refused to perform marriages as a protest against laws barring marriage to same-sex couples.

[triakis36]

1. It may be for the best..

..to take religion out of marriage. Why does it have to be in a church anyway?

[davidinalameda]

2. tradition

but I agree-the state should handle marriage licenses

[TechBear_Seattle]

4. The state DOES handle marriage licenses

In every single state, religious ceremony is entirely irrelevant. Even then, religious ceremony without the filing of properly filled out civil paperwork has absolutely no legal standing. In the United States, marriage is and always has been a thoroughly civil event. (Thank you, First Amendment!)

[Rowdyboy]

3. I totally support the European model....civil services for all citizens

and religious observations for those who choose.

What could be more fair?

[TechBear_Seattle]

5. That is the way it has always been in the US, too

Nearly every judge, magistrate and justice of the peace in the US have the authority to officiate at marriage. In Maryland, Florida and some parishes of Louisiana, any notary public can officiate at a marriage. That clergy have that power too is a matter of law, not a right inherent to being clergy.

What I think we should do is make the signing of a marriage license a simple notary act and strip clergy of this power.