Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster Can Now Perform Marriages
If you, like me, were wondering when you'd finally be able to get married with a pasta strainer on your head, your day of joy has finally arrived. New Zealand has granted the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, whose members refer to themselves as "Pastafarians," the right to perform marriages in the country last year.
And although the group has yet to tie a couple's "noodley knot" just yet, it's likely only a matter of time before American Pastafarians can enjoy the same marriage rights as their Kiwi counterparts.
R'Amen! (Get It?)
Sadly, the first couple called off their nuptials prior to the ceremony. As the Church explained on its Facebook page:
"Our Happy Couple made the Wise Decision (after travelling together for several weeks) to NOT tie the noodley knot - a wise decision noted the Ministeroni: 'Tis always better to be alone, wishing you were knotted, than to be knotted and wishing you weren't.' R'Amen!"
So we have yet to get our first look at a Spaghetti Monster wedding ceremony, and we can only hope it includes a bowtie bouquet and vermicelli vows before the happy couple is showered in couscous.
Do They Listen to Reggaetoni?
Getting certified to perform marriages is just the next step for a religion that has been battling for legitimacy since its inception in 2005. Pastafarians have also fought for, and won, their right to take driver's license photos wearing their traditional head colanders, and adherents have asserted the right to wear their religious regalia in schools.
For those who believe in religious freedom, official recognition of the Pastafarianism, and its god the Flying Spaghetti Monster are long over due. In the meantime, the Church also offers online ordination for ministers.
Related Resources:
- Church Of The Flying Spaghetti Monster Can Officiate Same-Sex Marriages (Huffington Post)
- 'Pastafarian' Wins Legal Right to Pasta Strainer in License Photo (FindLaw's Legal Grounds)
- 'Pastafarian' Driver's License Photo Flap Triggers Police Response (FindLaw's Legal Grounds)
- Does Indiana's Religious Freedom Law Cover Marijuana Church? (FindLaw's Legally Weird)