The State should get out of the marriage business

[See article on our website with that title].

I would think this is directly applicable to Australia as well, even though we don’t have the prominent polygamy practices that would be the case in Africa. We still have other diverse practices.

It seems to me that this argument is one which most Baptists could readily support, because it is a good practical expression of our commitment to the separation of church and state. The article effectively argues that the state should not be discriminating against or in favour of any particular religious group’s view of marriage. It would leave churches and other religious groups free to promote their own approach, and to outlaw for their own members any approach that they saw as incompatible with their religion, but it would get rid of the present injustice that prevents people nominating as their next of kin someone who doesn’t fit the current definition of marriage.

That Baptist people have so often enthusiastically campaigned to have the State outlaw forms of marriage that don’t comply with our religious convictions has always struck me as a blatant violation of our commitment to the separation of church and state. Historically Baptists have opposed the legislating of religious preferences because they were mindful that they would regret such a stance when they were not the majority and it was used against them.

However, I’ve only ever thought about how we might respond to this from the church’s end. I’ve often suggested that the churches would benefit from withdrawing from the “state-approved celebrant” game, and conducting religious weddings which people could register with the state separately if they wished. This article reaches the same conclusion, but suggests that the state might initiate it instead, and I find his reasoning very persuasive. The present arrangement is not really in the best interests of the state either.

Thanks for posting it, Rowland.

Peace and hope,

Nathan ______________________________________

Nathan Nettleton

Pastor, South Yarra Community Baptist Church

Melbourne, Australia

nathan[at]laughingbird.net