Interfaith relationships are becoming more and more common these days, and now these relationships are blossoming into full blown love and marriages. For many, the idea of trying to have a family with two strong religions is taboo, but depending on the people involved, and the religions, it can be done! Here are a suggestions if you are trying to go down this pathway with your beloved.
Talk to both of your religious leaders
Your religious leaders are your first attack line when you are starting to look down this pathway. They will know the religious texts and rules enough to give you a solid enough answer an interfaith marriage is accepted in your religion, and whether they themselves could perform the ceremony or not.
You can also read your religious text and see what it says, especially if you aren't near a religious leader, or do not feel comfortable asking them.
For example, in the Muslim holy book the Quran, Sura 5:5 states that "Likewise you are permitted to marry chaste believing women [Muslims] or chaste women among the people who were given the Scripture [Jews and Christians]."
Finally, you can also look online to see if there is a precedent, or ask an online religious leader.
Check with a legal professional to make sure that your marriage is legal
Some situations in some marriages are not legal in Canada, so if you are unsure, it is always best to check and make sure. For example, in Islam you are able to take more than one wife. In Canada however, the law does not permit that. So speaking to a legal professional in order to figure that out would be a necessity
Organize your ceremony to involve both faiths
In this day and age, finding two religious leaders willing to do an interfaith service is fairly likely. The problem comes of course when trying to plan the ceremony, as not all cultures and religions require the same things in order to consummate a marriage. Planning this and making it flow can be frustrating, but of course it will be all worth it in the end.
Of course, if you prefer, two ceremonies could be performed, one in your religion and one in your partners. This way all your bases are covered and you don't' have to try and meld the two of them together.
There you have it, a few suggestions to get you started on your life of happiness!
To learn more, contact a family lawyer like Catherine A. Haber.
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