“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

 

As human beings, we all have the need to love and be loved. But what happens if we marry a person of another denomination or faith? How does that affect the upbringing of children down the line?

Couples need to be realistic about the challenges that interfaith and interdenominational (inter-church) marriage can bring. Interfaith marriages are defined as those between a Catholic and a non-Christian such as a person who practices Islam, Judaism, Hinduism or Buddhism. Interdenominational or “inter-church” marriages, on the other hand, are those between a Catholic Christian and a Christian of a different Christian tradition, such as, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, Methodist, or Evangelical.

The Church knows that most people, regardless of their beliefs, seek truth and the kind of love that only faith in a benevolent God inspires. Division opposes love. By fostering understanding of the commonalities and differences of our various religious traditions, the Church hopes to help strengthen families. Couples have a resource for achieving greater understanding by joining the Family Life Office Together in Faith group.  Co-sponsored by the Archdiocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Office, Together in Faith offers inter-church and inter-faith couples opportunities to pray and dialogue together with ecumenical and inter-religious faith leaders in a spirit of love and respect.

If you are an inter-church or inter-faith couple, there are other ways to connect spiritually on your own. For example, you might try...​

• Finding a worship pattern that fits your faith and family.

• Taking religious education of your children seriously.

• Praying together as a family.

• Continuing the dialogue.

 

For more information contact the Family Life Office at 505-831-8117.

Additional information and resources are also available at:
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/catholic-marriage/church-teachings/interfaith-marriages/
http://store.usccb.org/Interfaith-Mixed-Marriage-s/2185.htm