As a 10-year-old, I spent vacations at the Rockland, Pa., farm of George and Peggy Cope. They were devout Christians. George was also a justice of the peace and empowered to conduct weddings. He always referred applicants to the Methodist church down the country lane.

Farmer George taught me that the sanctity of marriage means holy matrimony. His conscience would not allow him to perform civil ceremonies. He counseled applicants and asked them to talk to the pastor about their intentions with each other and their readiness for a life together, hoping they would choose holy matrimony.

Atheists and many others do not aspire to the blessing of a supreme being and do not desire a relationship that is set apart, holy and consecrated, in a religious sacrament with ordained clergy officiating.

A county clerk invokes the sanctity of marriage, agrees to sign a marriage document for couples who reject sacred promises, yet refuses to sign on behalf of same-gender couples. Seventy years later, I wonder if George Cope would think that action inconsistent.

Willard Bredenberg, Lewiston