Non-ordained, Christian Mayor Performs Marriages on Beach

[Thomas_Alex]

Who can direct me to a book that I can give to a Spirit-filled Protestant Mayor to help him understand that he really should not be performing marriages. That, as a Christian, he should not encourage or engage in “secular” marriages.

Thanks,

Thomas

 

[otm]

I don’t know the laws of your state, but if he is impowered to perform marriages, then that may well be his duty. And it would be a bit presumptious to stop marriages from happeneing solely on the grounds that they are not "church’ marriages. Anything that acts to strengthen the family is good; and marriage acts to strengthen the faamily.

 

[kage_ar]

Since the Catholic church recognizes marriages outside of the Church (for non-catholics and Catholics with proper dispensation), it should not be an issue for this minister.

 

[Erich]

otm:

I don’t know the laws of your state, but if he is impowered to perform marriages, then that may well be his duty. And it would be a bit presumptious to stop marriages from happeneing solely on the grounds that they are not "church’ marriages. Anything that acts to strengthen the family is good; and marriage acts to strengthen the faamily.

Unless the state were (say) Massachusetts or Vermont, and the “marriage” was between anyone other than one man and one woman, of course

 

[Jermosh]

Erich:

Unless the state were (say) Massachusetts or Vermont, and the “marriage” was between anyone other than one man and one woman, of course

Actaully they still have to, or quit. The Govener has made it clear that if they are in authority to give out licences and to sign a licence then they have to do it if all is legal of course.

As for if it is ok for catholics holding public offices to do this, we have not heard that yet from our bishops(that I know of). If you have heard or read anything differant from the Mass diocese I would be interested in seeng it.

As for Vermont, they do not have SS mariage, they only have SS unions. There is a differance in the 2.

 

[Jermosh]

Thomas Alex:

Who can direct me to a book that I can give to a Spirit-filled Protestant Mayor to help him understand that he really should not be performing marriages. That, as a Christian, he should not encourage or engage in “secular” marriages.

Thanks,

Thomas

I do not see a issue with him perfoming is as a civil marriage. The Church reconises civil marriages, but do not see them as Sacramental.

 

[otm]

Erich:

Unless the state were (say) Massachusetts or Vermont, and the “marriage” was between anyone other than one man and one woman, of course

Or in Multnomah County, Oregon.

Interestingly, I believe the governor of Massachusettes (or perhaps it was someone from the attorney general’s office) indicated that they would prosecute any official who refused to perform a gay “marriage”, on the basis of discrimination.

My fisrt thought was “Hogwash”, (or something akin to that), as there are always others to perform the marriage, and I seriously doubt there is an absolute mandate in the law requiring any particular official to perform any marriage ceremony that rolls in the door. You just have to be smart enough to decline on grounds other than discrimination…

 

[Detroit_Sue]

kage_ar:

Since the Catholic church recognizes marriages outside of the Church (for non-catholics and Catholics with proper dispensation), it should not be an issue for this minister.

But he said he isn’t ordained. Legal, yes. Sacramental, no.