But it occurred to me that what actually makes people married is not the church or the priest but their consent, their “I will.” And I do not consent. Will never consent. “I will not.” I cannot be wed without my consent, can I? They cannot bind me with ropes and force my mouth open and closed while my father says in a high voice, ‘‘I will.” I am told this has happened, but even my father could not be so cruel. I will not consent and there will be no marriage. Amen.
