George Will, in his July4th column, "The day(s) of our independence," notes that the first so-called "declaration of independence" was enacted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 20, 1775."Presbyterians, meaning most Mecklenbergers, were incensed by Anglican meddling from London, such as the Vestry and Marriage Acts of 1769, which imposed fines on Presbyterian ministers who conducted marriage ceremonies."
Most Mecklenbergers, not doubt, believed sincerely that such Anglican interference in their affairs, especially in their right to conduct marriage ceremonies according to the tenets of their religious faith, would mean the end of marriage as we know it.
So, the day after they heard the news from Lexington and Concord, they wrote their own declaration:
"We the citizens of Mecklenberg County do hereby dissolve the political bands which have connected us to the mother country. ... We do hereby declare ourselves a free and independent people ... to the maintenance of which independence, we solemnly pledge to each other out mutual cooperation, our lives, our fortunes, and our most sacred honor."
No doubt the Anglican clerics in the "mother country" went apoplectic with the Dobsons and Sheldons of England crying that these upstart American rebels have destroyed the sacrament of marriage forever!
Some things never change, one of those being the constant attempt of certain religious people who believe they alone have the Truth, to demand other religious and non-religious folks follow their peculiar and particular dogmas.
1 comment:
Marriage is still around and doing well. We do accept all kinds of changes but the institution of marriage remains. What my neighbor does or doesn't do is his business.
Bob Poris
Post a Comment