YOUCAT Question n. 267 - Part III. What should be done if a Catholic wants to marry a non-Catholic Christian?
(Youcat
answer - repeated) 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.
A deepening through CCC
(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.
Reflecting and meditating
(CCC Comment)
(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 Cor 7:14). 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 (Cf. 1 Cor 7:16). 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.
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