comment by OftenBen

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comment by OftenBen

OftenBen · 3393 days ago · link · · parent · post: Religious Freedom - HELP ME

Should a minister be compelled to perform what they believe is a sacred ordinance?

I would like to think that we live in a world where such behavior would be laughable. But I don't think a wedding service is exactly like a normal marketable product, that happens to be sold by people who could be antagonistic to gay marriage.

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steve · 3393 days ago · link ·

that happens to be sold by people

I wonder if this is a point... in our church - the ministers are all completely unpaid. I wonder if collecting a fee for the service would/could be a distinction in a case such as this.

such behavior would be laughable

I'm glad you think so too. It felt like such a straw man argument: "BUT THEN THEY WILL DEMAND THAT WE MARRY THE GAY PEOPLES". I just shook my head. It felt so fear-mongering.

+discuss+discuss

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rinx · 3393 days ago · link ·

Is your church an incorporated nonprofit? To me, that is on some level opening the door for government regulation,when they allow in government tax breaks.

+discuss+discuss

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steve · 3393 days ago · link ·

an incorporated nonprofit?

yep. and that's been part of the discussion. People are afraid that we will lose tax exemption. Ugh. The fear is crazy. I don't get it.