In reply to Bonnie Wilcox.

Bonnie, finally someone on this response trail is speaking the truth: no pastor is required to preside at a wedding in the church. In fact, more pastors should say "no" when they are aware of issues of abuse or deep differences which cannot be resolved. I know a pastor who refused to marry anyone because he refused to be an agent of the state (that was 40 years ago and he has never been chastised, warned, imprisoned and, as fas as I know, he is still alive and well.) The church can save money they would spend on lawyers. I'm sure there are many social ministries that could use the money.