is it OK for an atheist to do a reading at church?

Question

just had an incident where my girlfriend which is a "devout" atheist was asked to be matron of honour at a wedding, which entailed a reading - not being to religious my self, I said its only words (sorry for those strong minded Christians)- but this goes against her strong beliefs that there is nor god or "higher power" - what are you remarks on the topic

Answer 1

If I were the bride, I would want my friend (the matron of honor) to say something like,

"I appreciate you thinking of me for doing this reading. However, I don't feel comfortable doing it. I know it's important to you, and after thinking about it, I am convinced that someone else would communicate this better than I will."

A bride should not want a friend to feel uncomfortable. Words are important, and the "matron of honor" is a friend, not an actress, nor a hired spokesperson. She should not feel pressured to do this.

The more good vibes at a wedding, the better--anything done or read there should be invested, with the most positive intent and focus possible!

Answer 2

The same would go for a Christian, if I were asked to read something that was against the Word of God, I would just tell the bride that someone else should read it. I don't think an atheist should read something about God, whom, she does not believe in, because a wedding is a sacred event.

Answer 3

I have been an atheist since I was a teenager but have read Biblical passages at family weddings and funerals. Some of my family are Christian but my atheism doesn't worry them. I read the passages to be part of the ceremony. There are plenty of suitable Biblical passages that can be read at weddings and funerals that do not advocate a belief in gods. These can easily be read by atheists without them looking hypocritical.

Answer 4

Me, if my best friend requested I read something then I would even if I disagreed with it. Of course I might also edit out the part that said something like god bless or whatever and just put it as bless you both. Weddings are never the proper place to have anything go wrong or different than the plan.

Answer 5

A wedding is a holy sacrament in the eyes of the church and God.
She should refuse to be in the wedding party and settle for cutting the cake or something at the reception.
I think if she does that she will be doing something against her beliefs.

Answer 6

If her friend, the Bride, asked her to be the Matron of honor, I think she should read it, because it's not the end of the world reading a few words to make her friend happy.

Answer 7

That's up to her. Does her friend know that she is an atheist? If it bothers her too much, she shouldn't do it, but if she can get past it, it would be a lovely gift for her friend. It's just a reading and it's her friend's wedding not hers. She can have something she likes read at her wedding when it comes.

atheist

Answer 8

I, being an atheist, wouldn't do it. But that has less to do with my beliefs and more with the fact that I'd feel like lying to the people there and being disrespectful towards their religion and beliefs.

I like to go to Anglican services for the music, I kneel and stand and all that, but I don't do responses, the Our Father or anything - out of respect.

Answer 9

If it is such a problem she shouldn't read, and find a nice way to refuse. Or better, see if she can find a non religious text, there's plenty of beautiful ones about wedding and love, and ask if she can read that one instead. That is what I did and it went without a hitch.

Answer 10

It's a wedding. If the bride wants it, and the lady can read the words without puking, then I don't have a problem with it.