I am a non catholic boy(Jacobite a particular orthodox group which is specific to Kerala,India) in love with a catholic girl.This is a very big reason which is hindering progress in the relationship.The parents of the girl are not at all in favor of this going forward at any cost saying that this would make her an outcast, whereas on the other hand my parents are having no issues with this.These thots and these division among us christians is making me frustrated and and the same time confused.Please help me and guide.Is there any way that we can get married and at the same time continue to maintain our beliefs and faith.

-- Phil (greg_pv@yahoo.com), February 19, 2005

Answers

Response to Marriage between a Catholic and a non-catholic

Hi Phil

It is sad that two Christians that are in love and willing to push for their marriage have to go through these situations. From my humble position my advise is that you two should have clear what you are planing to maintain as beliefs. It is hard to have a solid relatioship when you both believe different things. Perhaps none of you is very comitted to their beliefs that could be a reason why you do not have confrontation, however I think that it would be a good idea, as a part of marriage counseling, to consider what you believe as a couple, remember that you are supposed to become like one, and one cannot have contradictory beliefs. I am sure that if God has chosen each of you to be a married couple is because He has a plan for you, and the first step could be to agree in what you two believe about Him.

-- katy (katyusk@yahoo.com), February 19, 2005.

Greg, You can get married. HOWEVER; with two belief systems in the house, it would be very confusing for the children. You will have to promise to raise the children in the Catholic Church or you will not get the blessing of the Church and your future in-laws.

QUESTIONS FOR YOU: Do you attend church (of any kind)? Does your friend attend Mass? What do each of you know about the others belief system?

I was not Catholic when I married a very stong Catholic. I eventually pulled her away from her Church and kept her away until God woke me up (long story) and I converted. The 2 faith systems will eventually become a problem .... (voice of expierence).

-- dhgray (davishgray@aol.com), February 28, 2005.