You can get married at the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster in New Zealand
Karen Martyn, the head of the church in New Zealand, has been deemed a "Ministeroni," becoming the church's first marriage celebrant to be officially recognised by the country's government.
"They involve a lot of pasta, a bit of pirate, and I think they are a blend of recognising the seriousness of it, while at the same finding the humour."
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Martyn, originally from California but a New Zealand citizen, has been part of the church since 2010 and helped to launch its Kiwi outpost. Currently based in Wellington, Martyn is available to preside anywhere in the realm of New Zealand, but not overseas.
Although couples won't need to pay for her services, since no personal gain is allowed, they'll need to have knowledge of New Zealand's Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster to get married.
"You have to know all about our church," Martyn said. "We get a lot of people from overseas saying they are a member of a [Flying Spaghetti Monster] church in another country, but that's not the same. Every church has its own special set of values and beliefs."
Once you're given the OK, the only requirements in the ceremony by New Zealand law are the vows and signing of the marriage papers, with all other aspects up to the couple, including dress.
"It's whatever in their hearts, whatever will make them happy," Martyn said. "One of the doctrines of our church is there is no dogma -- even though the colanders are official headgear, we would never judge you for choosing to wear it or not to wear it.
"We think people should have the choice ... It is their day, and if they choose a Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster wedding, then they're probably choosing to have our unique language and rituals."
Although many people say it's a parody religion, Martyn dismisses those that say so.
"No more than any other religion is a parody of others," Martyn said. "We say all religions deserve the same respect, none of them aren't based on evidence, they're based on a sense of community, just as we are."Yet to marry anyone, Martyn said the recent media interest in a Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster wedding has become their biggest barrier to finding a couple. Not many people are willing to be the first to be married in the church, although she thinks there may be a duo willing to be in the spotlight in the next month.
New Zealand's registrar-general of births, deaths and marriages Jeff Montgomery announced the church's approval in the government's gazette back on Dec. 10, 2015. Montgomery noticed the group's "consistent presentation of their philosophies" when he approved the organisation, he told ABC News.
So not only are Kiwis ahead of Australians when it comes to same-sex marriage, they've taken the lead when it comes to Pastafarians too.
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