Quote:
Originally Posted by good samaritan
I understand it is illegal for ministers to perform weddings without the issuing of a license. I personally feel that just because the government issues marriage licenses to homosexuals, we shouldn't become law breakers. Just because homosexuals can now be married and recognized by the U.S. government doesn't mean that I have to enter into a homosexual relationship. If the government tries to force us to commit sins against our religion that is different. This privatization of marriage is usually because of financial expedience than it is about religious convictions. As for those who are in a dilemna over needed healthcare coverage and how it is affected by marriage, my prayers go out to you. We live in perilous times.
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Agreed, if it would be illegal for a minister who is licensed with the state to perform weddings without the issuance of a marriage license, that minister is bound by law to sign off on the state marriage license, seeing that he acts as an "agent of the state". However, what if a fellowship's elders are not licensed by the government? For example, what if their constitution reads:
C. The network shall recognize elders, educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, and teach and preach the Gospel message both publicly and from house to house. Elders are not to be licensed by any state or government body.
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C. Elders recognized by the network shall meet the biblical requirements of 1st Timothy 3:1-7. Elders are older men who, by virtue of their life experiences, are recognized as having a measure of wisdom which much surpasses the knowledge of inexperienced younger men, and are therefore influential members of the Apostolic Fellowship. It takes time for elders to emerge within the church, for spiritual maturity is a process which develops gradually. (1 Timothy 3:6) Elders have not been given any measure of authority over the Ekklesia, but instead function as shepherds, keeping a protective eye out for enemies that might seek to harm the church, and examining the doctrine of those who claim to be Christians. (Acts 20:9-31; Titus 1:9) The manner in which elders are to lead is not by exercising authority, but by being living examples. (1 Peter 5:3) Elders are not to be licensed by any state or government body.
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F. Elders serving in Christian ministry within the Apostolic Fellowship are to disengage civil and Christian marriage in the performance of pastoral duties. Elders are to refuse to serve as agents of the state in marriage. Elders are to decline from signing government-provided marriage certificates. Elders are to ask that couples seek civil marriage separately from their church-related vows and blessings.
This fellowship is much like the early Quakers. A simple fellowship of friends who are seeking no incorporation or licensing from the government. If the elders bless a couple in the eyes of God and advise that they seek "civil marriage" separately should the couple so desire, are they "sinning"?