Hi
I am hindu boy and my girlfriend is roman catholic we both are from india we have decided to spend our life together, my girlfriend wants to marry in roman catholic church as she said its her marriage with me will not be held valid till she get married in church as per christianity and also its her wish I want to fulfill her wish , I have heard that if I want to marry my girlfriend in church I have to convert to catholic, I have also read answer on this forum which says I don't have to convert but in india situation is totally different there are number of cases where priest has refused interfaith marriage I just want to know whether I can marry my girlfriend in church without converting myself suggest me keeping in mind india`s situation I will be thankfull to you all help me out

I can't speak for the cultural expectations of religion in India, but I can tell you what happened to me.

Here in Canada, to marry a Catholic, I had to attend marriage preparation courses, which were no big deal. I also had to agree to raise any children as Catholic. I was well informed and made a decision to agree. I did not have to conform myself.

The problems arise more when religious differences come into play when you are faced with doctrines that are essentially different, but equal. Decisions have to be made about schools, attending church etc.

The Priest, in my opinion, should not refuse to marry you because you have different faiths, that is descrimination in my opinion.

But, perhaps start with a visit to the local priest, and ask him directly to counsel you on what you can expect. He will tell you, according to your cultural differences, what he will and won't do. And more importantly, what is expected of you.

As much as she expects from you, you should also let her know what YOU expect from her. Marriage is much more than an official ceremony. Its also the way you live, treat each other and raise your children.

Does she know what she is required to do for YOU?

Interfaith marriages are permitted in the Catholic Church and are honored by the church. If you choose to marry in a Catholic church and/or by a Catholic priest, you must complete pre-cana which is church-based premarital counseling. The priest leads you through very valuable discussions on topics like your views on managing money, extended family ties, values, having children and so on that have been found to be important things to understand about one another before you marry. The idea is to ensure you are fully compatible because marriage is intended to be life-long.

The church also asks that you commit to raise your children Catholic.

The church, at least in America, will permit a marriage conducted by a priest alongside a non-Catholic cleric so you can have a combined Catholic/Hindu ceremony if you wish.

Naren, please do not use Chat Speak. It is against site rules:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/faq.ph...#faq_faq_rules

Since the op hasn't been back since March, 2010. I have asked that the thread be closed to allow attention to go back to those currently seeking advice.

Thank you.