Wedding Day in California
Hundreds of same sex couples are lining up at California County Clerk's offices seeking gender neutral marriage licenses. Many of those seeking the licenses have been together for years, even decades. The couple San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsome chose to marry have been together for 55 years. They are a lesbian couple who are now in their 80s. In an age of quickie divorces such commitment is amazing -- and they've stayed together without any socially accepted form of encouragement.
There is, of course, opposition. Most of it that's been reported so far is the typical fire and brimstone type. More significant opposition will be seen as we get closer to the November election.
As for the impact of this event? Well, California's economy will benefit. The state is taking in thousands of dollars in licence fees. Wedding related businesses -- tux rental/bridal shops as well as bakeries stand to make lots of money -- and just in time.
The real question is the broader social implications. Even though hundreds of couples are taking advantage of this opportunity (and because California doesn't have residency requirements people from across the nation will be coming here to get their relationships solemnized), not all gays are thrilled with this. Not all are wanting to embrace what is seen as a heterosexually defined ideal. Besides huge numbers of young people have decided that marriage as an institution (even heterosexual marriage) is irrelevant.
The real problem that faces us is the fact that marriage has become so devalued in our society that huge numbers of Americans are walking away -- before they even start. Weddings are more about having an expensive party than covenanting with one another in view of a life time relationship. But, in the coming years, as gay couples join straight couples in marriage, we will be asking questions about the nature and purpose of marriage. Marriage has been in part related to pro-creation, but more and more couples choose not to have children. So how does that effect marriage?
To this point I've not been asked to celebrate such an event. When the time comes I'll have to wrestle with what to do. Personally I think I'm ready -- but I will have to explore it with my church. If they're open then the obstacles will be removed.
On this historic day, what are your thoughts?
Comments
Churches should continue to bless whom they want to bless for whatever doctrinal reason they see fit. They should also lawyer up since their doctrines will eventually be challenged as well. But that is how we make progress as Christians and as a people.