Re: [Mid] holy government recognition

This discussion has perked my interest because it hits close to home. I
serve on the board of a (started-out-as-a) Christian Spiritualist church in
Vicksburg, MI that is open to all denominations (including Wiccan, Native
American, Norse, Buddhist, etc - anything as long as the person 'works in
the light'). We promote more than just tolerance of other beliefs different
from our own - we teach acceptance. It can be quite the mixing pot, and
I've learned quite a bit about other belief systems.
    We have an ordination program consisting of stages of training and
experience, in which the novitiate faces his/her faults and fears. Despite
different religious beliefs amongst the ordination board, each program is
constructed within the novitiate's path.
    I was surprised, however, to discover how lax the State can be on
checking people's qualifications. We have a basic requirement of our
reverends to maintain their ordination: they must participate and
contribute to the church through service and an annual reverend's fee. Some
have chosen to disregard this requirement and have lost their ordination.
However, a minority continues to present themselves as ordained ministers -
performing marriages and ceremonies - and they never seem to be questioned
by the State, even when signing legal documents. Perhaps each state has
different laws, but it seems like the opportunity for misrepresentation
would be high in a system without checks and balances.

Lord Dalkrvor the Intimid

>As far as the State is concerned that [marriage] is the only "legal"
>ceremony we have to worry about. ANYONE can preach, baptize (according to
>YOUR religion), or eulogize, etc as far as the state is concerned.

From: Dok Tael Murphy <dok@cablespeed.com>
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Received on Wed Jan 2 20:01:21 2002