I can. I'm just saying the NJ Supreme Court won't in the case where the welcome mat is out for everyone. That commercialization of the facility is what makes it somewhat less than sacred (which comes from the Latin word for "secret", by the way). If a church organization says, "This place is only for us, and only for people who share and/or respect our beliefs that we have allowed in, and not just anybody," then courts will probably respect that.
There are indeed things that even liberal courts will distinguish between what a church does in the practice of its religious traditions with its members and specific invitees, and what a privately-owened business, such as a restaurant, can do in dealing with the public. The more that a church does to make parts of it look like a business dealing with the public, the more it subjects itself to the laws regulating such businesses, in regard to those parts.
My point here is, with the NJ Supreme Court decision mandating the state of NJ either create gay marriage, or civil union with the exact same status as marriage, those laws have changed. Merely hiding behind the phrase, "civil union is not marriage," is not going to work.
They say the use of the Church has to be within guidelines acceptable to their denomination.
Here is a methodist church advertising for weddings:
Weddings at HPCUMC
“For love is strong as death…Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it…”
—Song of Solomon 8: 6,7
HPCUMC’s distinctive worship spaces and accepting theology makes us “the church of choices” for many engaged couples.
Whether you’re planning a large or intimate wedding ceremony, we desire to help you make the experience memorable and personal.
Plan Ahead
HPCUMC’s Sanctuary and Chapel are in high demand; advance reservations for the church, rehearsal time, dressing rooms, etc. are a must! Contact wedding coordinator Pam Johnson at (513) 979-8185 or pjohnson@hpcumc.org to discuss space and clergy availability as well as other important arrangements. Please note: Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of fees.
Weddings are not scheduled between Palm Sunday and Easter, Thanksgiving weekend nor the weeks before and after Christmas.
“We affirm the sanctity of the marriage covenant which is expressed in love, mutual support, personal commitment, and shared fidelity between a man and a woman. We believe that God’s blessing rests upon such marriage, whether or not there are children of the union. We reject social norms that assume different standards for women than for men in marriage.”
—From the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline (Part III, Paragraph 71-C)
HPCUMC Wedding Policies
Clergy
Weddings at HPCUMC must be conducted by one of our ministers. The wedding coordinator will invite a minister to officiate or will submit a request on your behalf. The officiating minister maintains ultimate responsibility for ensuring the solemnity of the service; he/she serves as your primary contact for service content.
* A note about wedding planners: We appreciate the role that a professional coordinator plays in overseeing details on your behalf. However, he/she cannot interfere, direct, or dictate any aspect of the Sanctuary or Chapel service during the rehearsal or the wedding. Please reserve his/her services for other areas of your special day.
Required Counseling and Classes
All couples being married at HPCUMC are expected to attend designated counseling, classes and worship. We believe this better prepares you for marriage, facilitates relationships with other couples and equips you to live out your vows. Requirements are:
* A minimum of two sessions with the officiating minister. At the first session, you will get better acquainted and explore the nature of the wedding ceremony. You will also have one or more follow-up sessions to complete plans for your wedding ceremony.
* Pre-Marital Retreat—We believe that a healthy marriage starts with good communication; therefore, we ask couples to attend a day-long pre-marital retreat. Select from one of three sessions held throughout the year (usually in February, June, and September).
* Weekly attendance at worship services—at the church of your choice—is also encouraged. If you do not have a church home, we invite you to attend HPCUMC’s Sanctuary services (Sundays 8:00; 9:30 and 11:00 AM) or services at “The Park” (Sundays 9:30 and 11:00 AM).
http://www.hydeparkchurch.com/event/weddings.html