Rev. Austin Miles: How Prop 8 Affects Ministers: Timely Book Puts It In Perspective

Eagerly looking forward to performing a marriage ceremony on October 4, 2008, this minister was jolted while examining the marriage license to be signed. In 40 years of ministry, I never expected to be confronted with anything like this.

The required government issued license had changed the words, Bride and Groom, to Party A and Party B.

While performing my functions as a minister, I had to submit to this altered impersonal form in order for the marriage to be 'legal' due to intrusive politics that had now crossed over into my life and work and which rips apart the very dignity of marriage which the church has always considered a sacred union.

It was bad enough that we sat quielty when the government took over the institution of marriage, requiring a marriage license issued by the state (for a fee) to 'validate' that union which a minister (or other officient) must sign. Up to that time, marriage was strictly a church function under church authority. The Certificate of Marriage issued by the church was recognized as a legally binding document.

Especially interesting is that this state license violates the (misused) concept of Separation of Church and State, big time, since a minister, representing the church, must sign a document issued by the state for state business. The church did not invite the state to become a partner with her or to be the partner of every marriage. The State pushed the Church into becoming a part of State business. So how has this been allowed to continue? Indeed, how did we ever let it take place? And why is this unholy alliance not challenged?

In his timely book, Conjugal America, published by Transaction Books, author Allan Carlson, president of the Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society writes how every ambitious totalitarian government seeks above all to destroy marriage and religion. He gives a fascinating history of marriage and how the Nazis and Communistic regimes have worked since the early 1900s to redefine marriage, leading us to this present creation of "same sex marriage," along with the intended purpose behind the redefinition of family. Homosexual activism in Germany and Russia during that time (early 1900s) is startling to learn. Indeed,it will take many readers by surprise. It also tells how this alteration to traditional marriage has negatively affected Sweden.

The book is an excellent read. World history buffs will find it a great resource since it is well documented by its author and capable historian, Allan Carlson. It includes a transcript of a radio debate between the author and Eric Zoran who argues in favor of same sex marriage. They cover all the issues on both sides of the controversy and they cover it well.

It is to be noted that following growing protest, the State of California announced that it will again reprint the marriage license form which will come out November 17th. However, it will still be faulty. While 'Bride and Groom" will be back, it will be added to both lines along with another box to check if Party A and Party B are preferred. So one can check to show two brides, or two grooms or whatever other combination is desired.This redesign of the marriage license contract required by the state gives one the feel of buying a dog license. And that is exactly the idea according to a very timely book.

Conjugal America is a slim volume (138 pages-hardcover) which is packed solid with useful information and perspective that is especially essential as we face a crucial election.. It would be prudent to read this book before the election. And above all, vote.

Rev. Austin Miles, a chaplain in The Bay Area, is also a free lance journalist and book reviewer who is published world wide.

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