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How Online Ordination Facilitates Marriage Equality in Rural America

Published Friday, Nov. 15th, 2019

Online ordination allows non traditional couples to find ministers that wont discriminate against them but some lawmakers are trying to change that

A photo taken during AMM's in person ordination tour in Tennessee, shows a line of people at a desk where AMM staff are completing the ordination process. — People in Tennessee line up to get ordained in person after the state passed a law against online ordination

Ministers who become ordained online are a vital resource for nontraditional couples who want nontraditional weddings

It’s been more than half a century since we put a man on the moon, but in some parts of the US, same-sex and interracial couples are still routinely discriminated against. It’s also un-American. That’s why months after getting ordained by American Marriage Ministries, Tim Hooker found himself in demand to officiate weddings for couples that were turned away by mainstream churches in his area.

I visited Tim earlier this year to talk about his experiences. Driving into Cleveland Tennessee, the first thing I noticed was that there were a lot of churches. It seemed like there was one on every corner, but they weren’t of much use to same-sex or interracial couples looking to tie the knot.

“In Southern Appalachia, the ministers probably weren’t going to do it,” Tim said.

AMM minister and professional wedding officiant Tim Hooker talks about serving the LGBTQ+ community in rural Tennessee

At the time of the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of same-sex marriage, Tim could only recall two churches that joined LGBTQ couples in marriage. If churches refuse to solemnize same-sex marriages, these couples by law deserve the same access to ministers that share their values and come from their communities. That’s where we come in.

Since the Supreme Court’s decision, Tim has officiated more than 50 same-sex weddings. Across the state of Tennessee, thousands more of our ministers are undertaking this same service to their communities.

“This is something that has hit a nerve. I found something that I hadn’t planned at being good at,” Tim said. But he sure was good and the calls kept coming from more couples that heard about what he was doing!

Tim’s story underscores why the right to online-ordination is crucial for millions of couples across the country. With Tennessee lawmakers attempting to legislate online-ordained ministers out of the wedding space, marriage equality is once again under threat. Tennessee’s lawmakers are attempting to deny same-sex couples the same privileges that heterosexual couples enjoy.

We can’t allow that to happen!

Stay tuned to this blog to see how you can support American Marriage Ministries and ministers like Tim who are on the front lines of social justice and equality.

Updated August 2024 - Recent articles linked below.

Is online ordination legal in Tennessee? Yes!

Read our recent updates below:

Graphic shows a US government building with the title: PRESS RELEASE: American Marriage Ministries Files Lawsuit Against Tennessee Officials

American Marriage Ministries (AMM), a Seattle-based church, has sued officials in Tennessee to challenge the constitutionality of a Tennessee law that restricts the rights of AMM ministers to officiate weddings. Click the link above to learn more.

Become a Wedding Officiant Online with American Marriage Ministries!

Get ordained online free with AMM and learn how to become a wedding officiant for friends and relatives!

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Why AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings.

Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expire. Just click here to start the online ordination application.

AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the links below to get started!

Lewis King

Lewis is AMM's executive director. He also wears other hats at AMM, like taking out the recycling, restocking the sparkling water, and watering the office plants.

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Attention Couples: Want an Awesome Ceremony? Schedule regular meetings and work closely with your officiant!