Interfaith Marriage

In the Catholic Church today, interfaith marriages account for nearly one fourth of all Catholic marriages. When persons of two different faith traditions prepare to enter marriage, they must decide how they will remain true to their own beliefs while honoring the faith practices of their future spouse. The real challenge for interfaith couples is deciding how they will raise their children. As with all married couples, matters regarding the faith of the children and household religious practices should be thoroughly discussed and decided prior to the marriage.
 
In a Catholic interfaith marriage, the Catholic spouse must promise to do all they can to raise their children in the Catholic faith. The non-Catholic spouse must be aware of this promise but is not required to agree with it. For interfaith couples whose beliefs vary greatly, such as in Catholic-Jewish marriages or Catholic-Evanglical Christian marriages, respectful on-going dialogue about faith practices and religious traditions is essential for the success of the marriage. With support from their respective faith communities, interfaith couples can be a source of inspiration and spiritual enrichment for all who encounter them.

Preparing for Catholic Interfaith Marriage 

A Catholic who wishes to marry in the Catholic Church needs special permission to marry someone who is not a baptized Catholic. This permission is given as part of the marriage preparation process, a year-long process that begins with the couple's engagement, and takes place primarily in the parish of the Catholic party.

A Catholic who wishes to marry a non-baptized person, one who is not a Christian, can receive a dispensation that enables them to have a true, valid Catholic marriage, however the marriage will not be considered a sacrament. One of the requirements for sacramental marriage is that both parties are baptized Christians - both are believers in Jesus Christ.