You
know they’re coming; LAWSUITS! These lawsuits will be attempting to force all
religious institutions to perform sacred services for same sex partners. While these lawsuits will probably begin with Christian (Catholic)
church’s they will undoubtedly affect all religious bodies, Jewish, Islamic,
Buddhist, etc. How can these religions avoid expensive legal challenges? Let’s
take a look at marriage and see what happens if we separate church and state.
If a couple is to be married in a religious ceremony, couples will take the classes mandated by their religious
institutions before they are married in a civil ceremony.
Only States, Counties, or cities will license and
perform a civil marriage. The couples to be married are responsible for
obtaining and paying for the marriage license.
All couples will have to be married in a civil ceremony before they can be Spiritually Married by a recognized religious
minister as per each states laws and/or regulations. (i.e. businesses license,
tax id, non-profit 501- status)
The couple must bring proof of their civil wedding
to their religious facility before any ceremony takes place.
Spiritual Marriages by a religious organization
will be subject to the laws and regulation of each religious organization.
No couple may divorce through their religious
organization without first legally finalizing their divorce through the state.
The individual religious institutions will
regulate the ending of a Spiritual Marriage as to their standards.
Some of the suggestions
mentioned above are currently being used in other parts of the world, such as
in Germany. I think it would be wise for all religious institutions to evaluate
their traditions and theology’s and be proactive in regards to gay-lesbian
marriages. I believe that a system based on the above suggestions would
preserve traditional marriage in those institutions, while allowing other religious bodies to expand
and include gay-lesbian marriage. This is by no means meant to be a
comprehensive solution to what will undoubtedly be a legal challenge. I am only
presenting some ideas to avoid future confrontation.
God’s Blessings always.
by David E. Gonzales
