268. Difficulties of mixed marriages must not be underestimated.

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 268

Ave Maria series

268  Can a Catholic Christian marry a person from another religion?

For Catholic believers, to enter into and live in marriage with a person who belongs to another religion can cause difficulties for their own faith and for their future children. Given her responsibility for the faithful, the Church has therefore established the impediment of disparity of religion.  Such a marriage can therefore be contracted validly only if a dispensation from this impediment is obtained before the wedding.  The marriage is not sacramental.  [1633-1637]

Sunset on the Julian K. Bragg Flambeau River farm, Ladysmith, Wisconsin.  Don L Bragg photo

Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27

[1633-1637]

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.(CompareCodex 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.(CompareCodex 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.(CompareCodex 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

Nature Sunset Flambeau River