267 THE MIXED MARRIAGE

YOUCAT Lesson 267

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

267  What should be done if a Catholic wants to marry a non-Catholic Christian?

Church approval must be obtained for the wedding.  This is because a so-called “mixed” (that is, interdenominational) marriage requires from both partners a special fidelity to Christ, so that the scandal of Christian division, which has still not been remedied, does not continue in miniature and perhaps even lead to giving up the practice of the faith.  [1633-1637]

Photo: …..My parents Julian and Irma 1922 wedding photo.  Julian was Catholic and Irma was Methodist.  Their 10 children were baptized and raised Catholic.  Irma converted to Catholicism late in life.  However, when still a Methodist she guided our personal values by citing her “Methodist childhood up-bringing.” …..267

DISPENSATION  A dispensation in Catholic canon law is an exemption from a Church law.  The authority competent to issue a dispensation is the local bishop or the Apostolic See.

Mixed marriages and disparity of cult

…….1633   In many countries the situation of a mixed marriage (marriage between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) often arises. It requires particular attention on the part of couples and their pastors. A case of marriage with disparity of cult (between a Catholic and a non-baptized person) requires even greater circumspection. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

…….1634   Difference of confession between the spouses does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage, when they succeed in placing in common what they have received from their respective communities, and learn from each other the way in which each lives in fidelity to Christ. But the difficulties of mixed marriages must not be underestimated. They arise from the fact that the separation of Christians has not yet been overcome. The spouses risk experiencing the tragedy of Christian disunity even in the heart of their own home. Disparity of cult can further aggravate these difficulties. Differences about faith and the very notion of marriage, but also different religious mentalities, can become sources of tension in marriage, especially as regards the education of children. The temptation to religious indifference can then arise. –CCC

…….1635   According to the law in force in the Latin Church, a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority.(Compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 1124.)¹³⁷    In case of disparity of cult an express dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the marriage.(Compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 1086.)¹³⁸    This permission or dispensation presupposes that both parties know and do not exclude the essential ends and properties of marriage; and furthermore that the Catholic party confirms the obligations, which have been made known to the non-Catholic party, of preserving his or her own faith and ensuring the baptism and education of the children in the Catholic Church.(Compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 1125.)¹³⁹ –CCC

…….1636   Through ecumenical dialogue Christian communities in many regions have been able to put into effect a common pastoral practice for mixed marriages. Its task is to help such couples live out their particular situation in the light of faith, overcome the tensions between the couple's obligations to each other and towards their ecclesial communities, and encourage the flowering of what is common to them in faith and respect for what separates them. –CCC

…….1637   In marriages with disparity of cult the Catholic spouse has a particular task: "For the unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is consecrated through her husband."(1 Corinthians 7:14.)¹⁴⁰    It is a great joy for the Christian spouse and for the Church if this "consecration" should lead to the free conversion of the other spouse to the Christian faith.(Compare 1 Corinthians 7:16.)¹⁴¹   Sincere married love, the humble and patient practice of the family virtues, and perseverance in prayer can prepare the non-believing spouse to accept the grace of conversion. --CCC