Chad Pecknold , associate professor, theology, was quoted in a New York Times story on clergy and civil ceremonies. See below.
From: New York Times Date: Jan. 2, 2015 Author: Mark Oppenheimer
... Chad Pecknold, who teaches at the Catholic University of America, suggested that signing the pledge could actually represent a form of pastoral malpractice, by absenting the minister or priest from a congregant's major life decision.
"The pledge actually shifts any burden of conscience from ordained ministers to their flock," Dr. Pecknold said. "It's a kind of shocking vocational failure, to recommend that pastors shouldn't sign these things," he said, referring to marriage licenses.
"Their flock is going to have to sign," he continued, "unless they want to give up the legal benefits of marriage." ...
Read more about Pecknold's expertise .