Perhaps our Synod would benefit from consultation with clergy in other countries in which religious marriages have not conferred any legal status on the couple. In Mexico it has long been that to be recognized by the government a couple must be married by a public official. Many couples then have a religious ceremony to confirm their union before God.

Legal marriage is important under the law as married couples are treated differently for tax purposes, social security, veterans and other benefits and for health care decisions/access when one member is incapacitated.