Blackwell v. Magee

I respectfully dissent. The majority holds that Claude Clark, an active Methodist layman and Hinds County Constable, is a “spiritual leader” of a “religious body” within the meaning of our marriage statutes. The record reflects that Clark received a blank Certificate of Ministry from the Universal Life Church of Modesto, California; he inserted his name in the certificate; and thereafter considered himself a minister of the gospel, not merely a spiritual leader of a religious body.

He was asked the following question:

Q. Now, during the time after you received your certificate of ministry, of…