My fiance and I do not attend church. I consider myself a Christian but he is not comfortable attending church at all. It's not that we don't believe, it,s just that he was pushed into going to church every week as a child and the bible became an excuse for every act of abuse in his home. I have a childhood friend that is a Baptist minister and has agreed to travel to our destination wedding. How do I make sure that our wedding has a religious touch but doesn't make the minister or my fiance uncomfortable?
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Oct 30, 2009, 5:20 PM)
DennyandKay
MARRIAGE PREPARATION ADVISORS
Post #2 of 3
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Re: Religious Wedding Ceremony for Non-churchgoers
[In reply to]
Since neither of you seems to have a strong connection to a specific church or faith tradition, it isn't clear why you want a "religious touch" in your wedding plans. Please have a heart-to-heart talk with your minister friend and see if you can all come to a satisfactory solution.
Also please consider some quality pre-marriage counseling to help your fiance deal with the negative baggage of his abusive childhood. He obviously was not raised knowing the amazing love of God. This lack can have many harmful aspects in your future relationship.
God does love both of you, beyond life itself. He sent His only Son to pay the price of your freedom, to set you at liberty from the pain and restrictions of your past. To know Him is to have abundant life.
Re: Religious Wedding Ceremony for Non-churchgoers
[In reply to]
I would suggest your first having a discussion with your fiancé as to where he is comfortable and not comfortable. What are his boundaries? Is he comfortable with a Baptist Christian service? If so, your friend may be perfect. From what you described, your fiancé may be more comfortable with a ceremony that focuses on love, marriage, relationship over religion. One where universal spirituality is emphasized over religious dogma. He may be more comfortable with an Unitarian or Interfaith Minister then. You might then want to check out your local Unitarian Universalist Church or google for Interfaith Ministers in your area. Interview the ministers, find out your options, look at their marriage services--- and follow your heart. You should completely trust whomever is doing your ceremony to do the kind of service you wish. Remember that the ceremony is for BOTH of you. With love and communication, you will find the perfect solution. Where there is love, there is God! Blessings, Rev. Susanna Reverend Susanna Stefanachi Macomb Author of Joining Hands and Hearts, Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations, A Practical Guide for Couples
Religious Wedding Ceremony for Non-churchgoers
