Wedding Bell Blues

As a clergy person, most of the weddings I am at these days are ones at which I am officiating. July 30, however, I attended a wedding as a guest, a friend of both those getting married. The couple was older, not young people in their 20s. Their maturity showed in many ways. They had put a great deal of thought into their wedding, and it was very much a worshipful experience. Their deep faith was evident. In their vows, they pledged to help each other in their spiritual journey and support each other in their spiritual practices.
I was glad to be there for my friends Gary and Gary. Yes, both men.
Here are two ironies. This deeply faith-filled and spiritual wedding is one I could not, under the rules of my denomination, officiate at. This uniting of these two people is also one that is not recognized by the laws of the State of Minnesota, and in fact, in November 2012, the citizens of Minnesota will be asked to make this prohibition a part of our state constitution.
Ironies catch our attention. They cause us to think more deeply. They may inspire us to action. In this case I understand more deeply why I would like to see the policy of the United Methodist Church change when it comes to clergy officiating at such ceremonies. I am also energized in new ways to work against the 2012 Minnesota marriage amendment.

With Faith and With Feathers,

David