People who know me are well aware that sprite and I haven’t gotten married because we feel it would be unfair to our friends in long-term same-sex relationships who cannot do the same. Sam has suggested to me that the civil and religious aspects of marriage be separated, making each marriage a civil ceremony that can then be blessed in a house of worship. I’ve always thought this was a great solution.

Well, praise be to Rev. David Ensign of Arlington, VA, who decided to make all weddings in his church, Clarendon Presbyterian, “celebrations of commitment.” He’s renounced his right to marry people, and will advise all couples wishing to get married in his church that the actual marriage has to take place at the county courthouse.

His reason is simple:

“What we’re saying is that in the commonwealth of Virginia, the laws that govern marriage are unjust and unequal,” said Ensign, 45, who has served as the church’s pastor since 2003. He said that the matter had been bothering him for months and that he suggested the policy to the congregation’s leaders because his conscience would not allow him to continue performing legal marriages on the state’s behalf.

Yes, some of the theocons in Virginia are raising a stink over this – let ’em. While they may accuse him of being “out of touch” with his parishioners, he’s actually keeping up with tradition:

The church, founded in 1924, has fewer than 100 members, yet has long been a community leader on the ordination of women, rights of the disabled and support of people with AIDS. Its members have mostly applauded Ensign’s action, which was approved by the church’s “session,” or church council, last month.

And what does the local Presbyterian community think of it?

“It’s within their rights to decide what they’re going to do and not going to do,” Gunn said. “We’re in the Jesus business, not the marriage business.”

It’s refreshing to see a church take a stand on discrimination and stand up for truly Christian values. If only poseurs like Pat Robertson or President Bush could do the same.