A Christian mother has slammed a vicar who refused to baptise her nine-month-old son because she is not married to the baby’s father.
Heather Lawrence and her partner Jonathan, tried to arrange a service with Reverend Tim Hayes at St John’s Church in Dunkinfield, Manchester, but were told they could only have a blessing.
The couple, who have been in a relationship for four years, were shocked by the vicar’s refusal on the grounds that were not married.
The 30-year-old says the only reason they haven’t had a wedding is because they cannot afford one but had hoped to have baby Roman christened in order to be accepted into the church.
This “can’t afford it” meme is just stupid.
In most countries a marriage licence is a modest fee, and most religious leaders will readily waive their fees if the couple show that they have no money. So a wedding costs a couple of hundred dollars say in most countries.
What the can’t afford is the bits that don’t count — the dress, the big meal and all the other stuff. They are discounting the bit that does count, because they say they can’t afford the bit that doesn’t.
It does seem to be about appearances and everything but wanting to raise their son as an actual Christian for this couple. From the article:
[blockquote]To emphasise the weight he places on marriage, the vicar said that if money was the only problem he would offer couples a wedding ceremony for free.
The new mother is also worried the decision could affect Roman’s chances of getting into some local schools.[/blockquote]
Obviously she regards herself as a purchaser of religious services.