Humanist celebrants seek same status as ministers

By Danae King

It might seem like any other wedding — vows, an aisle, a dress, love in the air.

Sometimes, guests even come up to August Brunsman IV and tell him what a lovely ceremony it was, saying, “Thank you, minister.”

But he’s not a minister. He’s a humanist celebrant. And though humanism is considered a religion, its members don’t believe in a god or the supernatural and their wedding ceremonies usually don’t mention God.

The designation as a religion, however, makes all the difference in Brunsman being able to perform marriage ceremonies legally. Without that designation, something many secularists and atheists balk at, he wouldn’t have any power “vested” in him by the state of Ohio.

That’s something several groups are fighting. They say anyone, regardless of religious beliefs, should be able to perform marriage ceremonies.

The way Monette Richards sees it, changing the law would be a win for all involved.

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