Can an Atheist officiate a marriage in the state of Oregon?
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Can an Atheist officiate a marriage in the state of Oregon?
Can an Atheist gain the ability to officiate a marriage in the state of Oregon,
without having to be a judge or county clerk? If so, where do I start? Thank you.
Asked on January 25, 2019 under Family Law, Oregon
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
The only way a non-judge/clerk athiest could solemnize marriage is if he or she is an official of a secular organization that "occupies a place in the lives of the organizations members parallel to that filled by a church or particular religious authority," such as the Center for Inquiry, which is a non-religious organization which nonetheless addresses what could be called "spiritual" or philosophical matters and so occupies a religion-like place in people's lives, at least to a degree or extent. CFI has some information about being licensed as a non-religious officiant; here is a link to them: https://centerforinquiry.org/secular_celebrants/
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