|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Pagan Handfasting in a Christian Society
For many years now, die-hard Catholics have not raised their eyebrows at a son or daughter marrying "outside the faith". Orthodox Jews may still fear the loss of their culture and religion when one of their own takes a spouse of a different religion. As for Pagans, they may find themselves compromising personal beliefs not only in a marriage to a member of another faith - if such is their decision, but just to be legally married at all.
In the State of Indiana, the Marriage Licensing Law states that marriages may only be solemnized by "a member of the clergy of a religious organization... such as a minister of the gospel, a priest, a bishop, an archbishop, or a rabbi... a judge... The Friends Church... The German Baptists... The Bahai faith... the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... an imam of a masjid..." (§31-7-5-1) So, to participate in a traditional Pagan handfasting, the couple would also need to seek the auspices of a judge to ensure the marriage's legality.
This seems a bit preposterous, in light of the fact that Paganism and Wicca are legally recognized religions. Because the members are not "ordained" ministers of Christianity's gospel, or belong to a sect that has raised a stink to have its wedding traditions recognized by the State, handfastings are seen as just so much "fluff". A marriage between two Pagans is not legal until a few words and a few witnesses stand in a wood-paneled chamber in the city courthouse.
The same holds in Michigan. There, the "minister of the gospel" must be "ordained or authorized to solemnize marriages according to the usages of the denomination, and is pastor of a church in this state, or continues to preach the gospel in this state." (§551.7) Pagans have no churches, and do not "preach" so, again, a judge must "legalize" a handfasting. Similar prohibitions are on the books in many states, according to the book Marriage Licensing Laws: A State By State Guide, written by Robert A. Kessinger (available in the reference section of most local libraries).
This, indeed, could be a call to petition our respective state legislatures to remedy this omission in the marriage laws. It would not be that difficult to have an additional entry in the long list of persons qualified to solemnize marriages to "members of Pagan faiths, according to their rules". Still, there may be an advantageous flip-side to this problem.
The various Christian and Jewish religions view marriage as a permanent ('til death do us part) arrangement - divorce rates notwithstanding. Pagans are more flexible. A handfasting can have a "time limit". States recognizing such ceremonies, with or without a legal marriage license, would have a considerable problem with the union being voluntarily dissolved after a year, or five years. The I.R.S. might have even more of a problem.
Some may say man-made laws are the source of inconvenience and stress. Without laws, however, we would live in chaos, since it is difficult for society to grasp the concept of "An It Harm None, Do As Thou Wilt" in any form. So, we must adapt.
For the immediate future, two Pagans wishing to be handfasted will not only have to jump over the broom, but jump through endless hoops to ensure their marriage is legal. At one of the happiest times in a couple's life, they still must endure discrimination. More's the pity.
- Quill