From the online News-&-Observer, this very brief Associated Press story about the resignation of a Rockingham County magistrate:

WENTWORTH, N.C. — A North Carolina magistrate has resigned, saying marrying a same-sex couple violates his religious beliefs.

Rockingham County Magistrate John Kallam, Jr. sent a letter to Chief District Court Judge Fred Wilkins on Thursday saying when he took his oath of office, he didn’t take it with the understanding that he would be required to marry same-sex couples.

Kallam wrote that marrying gay couples “would desecrate a holy Institution established by God Himself.”

Kallam declined further comment when reached at his home Thursday afternoon.

Kallam’s resignation, effective Oct. 31, comes a day after North Carolina magistrates were ordered to perform civil marriages for same-sex couples or face suspension or dismissal.  The directive was issued after a magistrate in Pasquotank County refused to marry two men, citing religious objections.