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Non-denominational Mormon Officiant (Non Denom Caucus)
Feminist Mormon Housewives ^ | 2/24/08 | fMhLisa

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 don’t know anything about “celebrants”, but the thought just popped into my head that might be a fun job. And come to think of it, I’d probably be good at it. Which led to the next thought, could a practicing Mormon become an officiant? (I’m 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 don’t think so, I don’t find the idea of being a minister/priest/bishop even remotely attractive. I just like celebrations, and I’m 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.

I’m 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. She’d survive. But what would I do if client’s 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 there’s no reason why a good Mormon woman couldn’t officiate weddings. Would birth or death ceremonies be any different? If the ceremonies are about expressing the client’s 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?


TOPICS: General Discusssion; Religion & Culture
KEYWORDS: lds; mormon; nondenominational
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To: John Leland 1789

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.)?


21 posted on 06/01/2008 12:03:28 PM PDT by Tax-chick ("I blossom on the grave of God who died for me." ~ Hans Urs von Balthasar)
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To: SkyPilot

I blame everyone who can’t be polite.


22 posted on 06/01/2008 12:04:08 PM PDT by Tax-chick ("I blossom on the grave of God who died for me." ~ Hans Urs von Balthasar)
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To: Tennessee Nana

Amen, Nana. I’ll be 69 this year and am looking forward to at least 25 more good ones!


23 posted on 06/01/2008 2:34:05 PM PDT by Marysecretary (.GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL)
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To: Marysecretary

Good for you

:)


24 posted on 06/01/2008 3:05:22 PM PDT by Tennessee Nana
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To: Tennessee Nana

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!


25 posted on 06/01/2008 8:23:17 PM PDT by Marysecretary (.GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL)
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To: Revelation 911

***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 )


26 posted on 06/01/2008 11:43:46 PM PDT by Gamecock (The question is not, Am I good enough to be a Christian? rather Am I good enough not to be?)
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