Doesn't his signiture betray his faith?

[stevem1]

My state of residence has recently adopted new laws (without consent of the people) which allow for two people of the same sex to marry. A member of my parish who also happens to be our Deputy County Recorder is the named official who places his signature on the marriage document confirming the state's approval of same sex marriage. This man also serves as a Eucharistic Minister in our parish and seems to have no problem justifying his role in promoting same sex marriage. I mentioned this to my wife after Mass yesterday and she doesn't seem to have a problem with it but suggested that I ask one of your apologist's. I'm in disagreement with her as I believe this man is in direct disobedience of Church teaching and is setting a very bad example by continuing to serve as an E.M. What does Fr. Vincent or an apologist have to say about this matter?

[Fr. Vincent Serpa]

Hi,

I think that your statement that his signature confirms the state’s approval of same sex marriage is significant. He is representing the state and not himself. I doubt that anyone who has been married in your county cares that he is the one whose signature appears on his or her document of marriage. I doubt that they even notice the name, let alone know whom it signifies.

Also I realize that saying that he “happens” to be the deputy county recorder is a figure of speech that we all use. But actually, he didn’t just happen to get that job. It sounds like it is the way he makes his living.

Personally, I would not be thrilled about having my name on the marriage documents of gays—nor anyone else who is not validly married such as the many divorcees on whose documents his signature appears. I think you need to let this one go.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.