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No offense taken. In fact, I didn't recognize anything to be offended about.

Common law is a law that predates written law if I understand correctly. In its application to marriage, it is used for legal purposes other than just divorce.

I have no problem with folks getting a license. However, if two senior citizens, for example, cannot marry because of weird tax provisions that would strip them of their income, I would certainly counsel them to be married rather than to simply live together. I just wouldn't counsel them to get a marriage license.

They are just as married by God without it.

Seems like some problems could develop. For instance, if there is a critical illness, would the hospital recognize the right of the able partner to make decisions. I know a living will would come into play, but blood relatives might have a different take on it.

Also, while God recognizes the marriage I don't think the state would, while if the couple was married by a judge I think the church would recognize it as a legal marriage.

So that takes me back to where I thought I would flamed. If two consenting adults are wedded in the church, it would stand to reason that every church would recognize that wedding, though the state may not because of the lack of a legal document. Hence, a gay couple; if they are able to locate a willing man of the cloth should be able to get married. (I am not advocating, just observing). Likewise, if a gay couple wants to enter into a legally binding contract to share each others assets, lives, and fortunes; as legally consenting adults they should be allowed to do so, with the blessing of the state.

I would certainly counsel them to be married rather than to simply live together. I just wouldn't counsel them to get a marriage license.

We agree again..WOW...I believe in a comittment service between them and God..The state should have no interest in who I spend my last days with..