Roman Catholic clergy: 'We want people to get married that want to get married"

[piedmont]

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20071216/NEWS/476548576/1007

Some Alabama couples, many of them immigrants, are having to put their wedding plans on hold or leave the county to get a marriage license because some counties are refusing to issue them to applicants who don't provide a Social Security number.

That's a concern for Roman Catholic clergy who are encouraging couples to marry — only to find out the government won't let them.

'We want people to get married that want to get married and that are ready to make a lifelong commitment to each other,' said Deacon Adrian Straley, who works with the Hispanic ministry at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tuscaloosa.
'There has always been a harmony between civil and sacramental commitment bestowed by the church and we think they go together.'

He believes the law makes no sense. 'To have people who are ready be turned away by one of the necessary agencies is introducing a rupture in this,' he said. 'It only provides an additional reason for people to live together outside of formal marriage, which is something I would think that neither state nor church would want.'


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Irony, anyone?

[joeybee12]

1. So, if you want people to get married who want to get married...

...drop your opposition to gay marriage!

That said, this is a stupid law.

[SharkSquid]

4. Yeah they should let them use the "SIN" or whatever it is called

for legal immigrants so they can get married too. And of course civil commitments as well.

[flycessnas]

8. You Can't...

...just step up to the Pope and say he's wrong.

Roman Catholicism doesn't work that way.

[Der Blaue Engel]

10. The hell we can't

Here, I'll do it again, right now: "Hey, Pope! YOU. ARE. WRONG."

[SharonAnn]

15. That's why we should separate Civil and Religious marriage, like many other countries do.

That way, at least they could get a religious marriage even if they can't get a civil marriage.

[SharkSquid]

2. Sounds like they should ask for a immigration number

Whats it called, SIN? If they do not have one they should consider not coming here illegally. :shrug:

[More Than A Feeling]

3. ...

:banghead:

[JerseygirlCT]

5. Unless those people happen to have the same gender... nt

[Raejeanowl]

6. Sound Like That's Peculiar To Alabama

I've had two marriages in Maryland and I don't recall being asked for my Social either time we took out the license. I could be misremembering because it used to be less of an issue, identity (theft) wise.

Given the low likelihood it's going to be checked before the license is issued, I wonder why those without them aren't simply making them up.

Which is NOT my tacit approval of anything, except legalizing a marriage.

[piedmont]

7. It's a state law, originally passed to aid in child support collection.

And they require the actual card, not just a number (in some counties).

[piedmont]

17. /

kick (shameless)

[DeSwiss]

9. Hmm.. gee, this sounds like the Catholic Church....

...is prepared to overlook the requirements put forth by the bible and to "overlook the sins" committed by some and not by others. :sarcasm:

Their myth calls for the faithful to "be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work." (Titus 3:1) And also to "obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrew 13:17)

- Cognitive dissonance anyone???

K&R!!!

[Der Blaue Engel]

11. "...something I would think that neither state nor church would want."

'It only provides an additional reason for people to live together outside of formal marriage, which is something I would think that neither state nor church would want.'

And the state should care, why, exactly?

[TheMadMonk]

12. One thing to note. Marriage has for a long, long time been a civil matter.

Having it performed by a religious body, is merely getting that body's stamp of approval on the union. But it is not needed, except for the personal satisfaction of interested parties.

[Eileen]

13. The deacon doth speak bull

All this church - or any church - has to do is recognize the difference in roles between the church and the state.

The state records the contract between the couple and as such makes sure certain requirements are met in order for the contract to be recognized as legitimate.

The church "sanctifies" the union of the couple and as long as the church regulations are met there is no reason not to sanctify the union.

Recognizing the separation of church and state means that churches do not need to sanctify any marriage that does not meet their bigotry (gay couples eg) and marriages recognized by the state do not need the authority of any church to be legitimate contracts of marriage.

So the church can sanctify the union and not care whether the state recognizes it or not.


Eileen

[provis99]

14. so the Catholic Church is now in favor of gay marriage?

Oh wait. Maybe the great Deacon doesn't count gays as people.

[SharonAnn]

16. They must be. They want people to get married who want to get married.