Posted on 06/01/2008 7:07:22 AM PDT by Revelation 911
So I was just taking a relaxing bath, reading about a mostly ignored thirty-million gallon toxic oil spill between Brooklyn and Queens, pausing occasionally to read the advertisements for peace coffee and all-natural cigarettes, when I read an advertisement for Celebrant Foundation and Institute.
It appears to be a training sort of thing for non-denominational officiants of life-cycle ceremonies, personalized weddings, funerals, adoption and birth ceremonies. I guess for people who want ceremony without all the pesky strictures of organized religion.
I honestly dont know anything about celebrants, but the thought just popped into my head that might be a fun job. And come to think of it, Id probably be good at it. Which led to the next thought, could a practicing Mormon become an officiant? (Im not really considering it, just being hypothetical here) (I have zero ambition, but do like to over-think everything).
I admit that I had a perhaps valid (or not) worry about my first reaction, worried that I unconsciously aspired to some kind of false priesthood. But I dont think so, I dont find the idea of being a minister/priest/bishop even remotely attractive. I just like celebrations, and Im good at writing oooie gooie sentimental stuff and I have nice stage presence and I look good in a pant suit. And I bet there are a lot of chocolate fountains involved in the job.
Im sure my mother would be distressed if I wanted to spend my time around the woo woo heathen new-agey types who would use this type of service. Shed survive. But what would I do if clients ideas of spirituality or deity did require me to perform something that smacked of priestcraft? And how would I know where that line is? Obviously secular wedding ceremonies are performed all the time and theres no reason why a good Mormon woman couldnt officiate weddings. Would birth or death ceremonies be any different? If the ceremonies are about expressing the clients spirituality (or aspirituality) and not about my spirituality at all, would being involved in this sort of profession cross some sort of ethical Mormon line?
What do you think?
That’s a lovely story. I hope the Chinese couple will be very happy together. I’d be very interested to see their vows, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble for you to post.
Are Chinese civil marriages an enforceable contract, or is it like the U.S., where one spouse can decide to end the marriage but still make the second spouse support her (or one can end the marriage, and leave the other with the children and no support.)?
I blame everyone who can’t be polite.
Amen, Nana. I’ll be 69 this year and am looking forward to at least 25 more good ones!
Good for you
:)
I refuse any longer to allow satan to steal my joy, my strength, my children and grandchildren, or my health. In the precious and Holy Name of Jesus, I proclaim healing and restoration!
***2: What is your comfort level in females performing them (Mormon or otherwise)? ****
My question is this: there are countless sectlets* that call themselves Mormon, do any have priestesses?
*lDS, fLDS, the ULCJC..... ( I know the first two probably don’t, but this is for illustrative purposes only )
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