I promise, the subject line is accurate. My boyfriend and I have recently started talking about marriage and have something of a religious quandary. I am a baptized and confirmed Protestant (United Church of Christ), although I'm not currently attending a church and am not necessarily even attached to the UCC's beliefs specifically. He is an Atheist, a belief he's espoused after much consideration and soul-searching. However, he was baptized Catholic, and his parents want him to be married in a Catholic church for the sake of his (Italian) family. I have no plans to convert to Catholicism for the purpose of a wedding, nor would he want me to.
My question is: What would a Catholic priest say to a Protestant and an Atheist who is technically Catholic, looking to be married in the Church? We plan to raise children with knowledge of both "Mommy's and Daddy's" beliefs, as any Christian/non-Christian couple would. Neither of us could promise, though, that the children would be raised in the Catholic faith, because neither of us is Catholic.
It's all fairly hypothetical right now, since he's headed off to law school this fall and we wouldn't get married before he graduates. I was curious, though, to know if this was even possible!
RevSusanna
Interfaith Wedding Minister
/ Moderator
Jul 4, 2007, 1:04 PM
Post #2 of 3
(612 views)
Re: [aerlinnel] Mixed marriage: Protestant and Atheist/Catholic
[In reply to]
I would suggest that you would speak to a priest in your husband's family Catholic Church. I was raised Catholic and my husband Protestant, when we approached our local Catholic Church 20 years ago, they wanted us to promise in writing to raise our children Catholic. However, that was a long time ago! That may have changed, or not.
Have faith in that the right outcome will be made manifest.
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Jul 4, 2007, 3:24 PM)
DennyandKay
MARRIAGE PREPARATION ADVISORS
Jul 5, 2007, 2:14 PM
Post #3 of 3
(597 views)
Re: [aerlinnel] Mixed marriage: Protestant and Atheist/Catholic
[In reply to]
You are wise to seek advice so far in advance! As Rev. Susanna suggests, talking to a priest is your first move. Perhaps an honest discussion with a sympathetic priest will help your boyfriend deal with past issues. An atheistic belief runs contrary to the basic tenets of faith, according to the Catholic Church, and it is doubtful the priest will marry the two of you.
We are also an interchurch couple, Protestant and Catholic. The Church now requires only the Catholic spouse to sign an agreement to do his best to raise any children in the Catholic faith; the non-Catholic spouse must sign as a witness but is under no obligation.
The Catholic Church considers a wedding as much more than just a ceremony. Marriage is a sacrament and as such is taken very seriously. At this point, it doesn't make much sense for you to pursue a wedding in a Catholic Church, simply to please his family. This must be your decision, with no outside pressure. May God guide you to find answers. Kay and Dennis Flowers Authors of Catholic Annulment, Spiritual Healing
Mixed marriage: Protestant and Atheist/Catholic
