State of Ohio rejects Dudeism!? Whoa, wtf man?

[Busmum]

3101.10 License to solemnize marriages.

A minister upon producing to the secretary of state, credentials of his being a regularly ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation, shall be entitled to receive from the secretary of state a license authorizing him to solemnize marriages in this state so long as he continues as a regular minister in such society or congregation. ...

... and what are the parameters of a religious society or congregation? are we to be discriminated against because we utilize the ether and not church pews, then?

but then again, how do we define what constitutes a regular minister in our society?

i will state for the record that i think the "infected by syphillis" thing is an absolute hoot! 

[andy]

As with any "licensed" activity, you are applying to engage in an activity that is defined and bound by laws. You should be prepared to take reactionaries to court. Just remember to include your legal fees and reasonable costs in the suit. Sometimes just filing the paperwork will get you your way.

[Boston Rockbury]

I just have a totally different view on this dudes. Jon Husted may or may not be a reactionary but I always try (and okay often fail) to start from assuming good-will. There could be a political back-lash for states licensing ministers in what some would describe as a non-serious (I know dude) religion. Maybe take the angle that he is cautious and nervous and what might work best is reassurance and reasoned argument. I sincerely believe that the inner dude lies at the heart of even those who are outwardly: nihilist, achievers or reactionaries. I live in France where there is endless red-tape. I have learnt to patiently and politely make my case until they feel comfortable saying yes. You have to take it easy on up-tight guys who don't have the benefit of rolling, reeefing or Russians.

[Boston Rockbury]

I would try something like this:

Dear Mr Bard,

Thank you for your reply to my request for a licence to perform marriages. I understand your reservations in ensuring that ministers are bona fide representitives of genuine religions. In a position of responsibility, such as yours, this caution is reasonable. In this rapidly changing world there are many who take a somewhat conservative approach to religion and spirituality manifesting on the internet and in meetings that do not correspond with conventional norms. Perhaps this should be balanced with consideration of a greater threat - that of a growing trend towards atheism and those who believe in nothing. It would be sad to assume that because Dudeists have a sense of humour, that the religion itself is a joke. We have a set of shared values; which include a strong sense of friendship and the practice of non-violence, which are very real and Dudeism is a source of considerable inspiration and guidance in many people's lives etc' etc'

[Atheist Dude]

This is a real bummer man, I live in Cleveland and wanted to do the whole ordained minister thing. Maybe we can ban together and try to change this.

[Rev. R Lewis]

People comehere regularly to praise dudley actions and send messages of the good dudley word. Can't this forum be considered a place where we all gather regularly to worship? There a re certainly people from other relegions who do not go to worship regularly and are still able to be considered a part of that religious faction.

[BigfishXD]

A good friend of mine and fellow dudeist priest went through the same process of application and rejection with the state of Ohio.  He ended up getting licensed through the ULC and has officiated several weddings in the past few years.  The ceremonies have not been overtly Dudeist in nature, but the underlying themes are there, and the fact that he, as the officiant, knew the bride and groom on a personal level made the ceremonies that much more poignant. 

Maybe an organized mass-application by Dudeist Ohioans would prompt the SoS to re-examine his position on the issue.  This is pure speculation, but I have to imagine the only basis for rejection of Dudeist priests and acceptance of ULC ministers boils down to number of applicants.  I would bet that the early applicants from the ULC were rejected, too. 

[cckeiser]

A good friend of mine and fellow dudeist priest went through the same process of application and rejection with the state of Ohio.  He ended up getting licensed through the ULC and has officiated several weddings in the past few years.  The ceremonies have not been overtly Dudeist in nature, but the underlying themes are there, and the fact that he, as the officiant, knew the bride and groom on a personal level made the ceremonies that much more poignant. 

Maybe an organized mass-application by Dudeist Ohioans would prompt the SoS to re-examine his position on the issue.  This is pure speculation, but I have to imagine the only basis for rejection of Dudeist priests and acceptance of ULC ministers boils down to number of applicants.  I would bet that the early applicants from the ULC were rejected, too. 

Sure wouldn't hurt to have more applications dude!
Welcome to the beach party dude!

Sorry if I missed a few new dudes here, but I been "away" for awhile. Hope to be more "here" in the near future.

[DigitalBuddha]

A good friend of mine and fellow dudeist priest went through the same process of application and rejection with the state of Ohio.  He ended up getting licensed through the ULC and has officiated several weddings in the past few years.  The ceremonies have not been overtly Dudeist in nature, but the underlying themes are there, and the fact that he, as the officiant, knew the bride and groom on a personal level made the ceremonies that much more poignant. 

Maybe an organized mass-application by Dudeist Ohioans would prompt the SoS to re-examine his position on the issue.  This is pure speculation, but I have to imagine the only basis for rejection of Dudeist priests and acceptance of ULC ministers boils down to number of applicants.  I would bet that the early applicants from the ULC were rejected, too. 

Sure wouldn't hurt to have more applications dude!
Welcome to the beach party dude!

Sorry if I missed a few new dudes here, but I been "away" for awhile. Hope to be more "here" in the near future.

Welcome back, cc dude!

[cckeiser]

Thankee!

[DigitalBuddha]

A good friend of mine and fellow dudeist priest went through the same process of application and rejection with the state of Ohio.  He ended up getting licensed through the ULC and has officiated several weddings in the past few years.  The ceremonies have not been overtly Dudeist in nature, but the underlying themes are there, and the fact that he, as the officiant, knew the bride and groom on a personal level made the ceremonies that much more poignant.  

Maybe an organized mass-application by Dudeist Ohioans would prompt the SoS to re-examine his position on the issue.  This is pure speculation, but I have to imagine the only basis for rejection of Dudeist priests and acceptance of ULC ministers boils down to number of applicants.  I would bet that the early applicants from the ULC were rejected, too.  

Dude, welcome to our beach community. Grab a recliner, an oat soda and join the divine madness! Bar's over there, dude!

[Hominid]

BigfishXD: Welcome. Just slip the rent under the door.

[Rev. Ed C]

Welcome Bigfish, and welcome back CC

I can't help but love the name Ohio, because the Japanese for goodmorning is Ohayo.  Which means whenever I watch American Dad, I can't help sing along to the themetune not "Goodmorning USA!" but "Ohayo Ohio!"  Sad, but that's just the sort of man I am

Plus I hear you have a of of Amish communities out there.  Any state that's down with beards is good in my books

[followingmortis]

I am also located in Ohio and am very interested in seeing this issue dealt with, in some form or fashion.

Has there been any updates on this?

[SirDickman]

I am strongly considering revisiting this issue.  I've started looking for the right attorney to represent the Dudeist point of view.