Hi all,
I am asking this question about a very important time in my life with regard to the title of this message. I am English and I am Christian although I am not a regular churchgoer I am engaged to Nesrin of course who is of muslim faith. I want to ask some members here how each family of different faiths feels about the marriage of two different religions and cultures. I would like to marry in a christian church in England and have discussed this with my local vicar but I also want to ensure that Nesrin is happy with the type of wedding we shall have, we both respect each others faith and both are not devout followers of our religions although of course we both respect our different faiths and both of our families. I want to do the right thing when we decide on where we get married, I hope some replies will help me with this subject especially people who have the same sitaution as myself and Nesrin.

First congratulating you,Second, you must be mutual respect for each religion, but the important question here: your children will follow any religion?

Hi Love this one's tricky,so you are Christian and she is Muslim?As you probably know in Islam it is not allowed for a Muslim women to marry outside of her faith,whether you are strict about faith or not,it is still very much frowned upon, both by Christians and Muslims,I know I've suffered at the hands of both in this subject,maybe it is not that important for you both and I hope everything turns out well for you,however could there be complications later on?For example between yourselves how will your children be taught,with regards to religion?Has your family and her family agreed that this is ok?Does she fully understand Chrisianity?Do you understand Islam?
Difficult subject mate and I'm sure there are better people on here that could explain the differences better than I.
Anyway I hope things go well for you both.
All the best.

In fact, your relationship and decision of marriage already reveal all, that religion won't be a big issue in your marriage.with mutual respect and dialog you can solve the religion problems between you. Hasn't she already proved it to you by being with you(if we consider that it's rare that a muslim girl marries a non muslim boy)?

But I'm not sure if each of her family members will be happy of being in a church marriage. Probably they will feel themselves a bit weird, they are not used to it and maybe some of them won't be ok with it. You have to talk over it I think.

Hi Loveprague,

Yilmaz and I are in the same situation. As you know I have met his family many times, and can only speak on how they have handled the different faiths. Yilmaz's family is very accepting of me and my religion. I am also accepting and respect Yilmaz and his religion. I am Roman Catholic and went to Catholic school and was even going to attend a Catholic college. My cousin is also a priest. Although currently I do not attend church regularly, I have no intention of changing my religion, and Yilmaz has no intention of changing his. My situtation may be a little different, as I want to get married on a beach and not in a Catholic church. So, I don't have the problem of having Yilmaz feel uncomfortable in a Catholic wedding ceremony (however, we did talk about it and he would have been okay with it if that is what I wanted)

The most important thing is for you and Nesrin to talk about it. Let her know what will happen in a church ceremony.

So to sum up, it is really something the two of you need to discuss openly. Address any questions or hesitations Nesrin may have. I am sure you will both reach an agreement you can both be happy with.

Best Wishes,

Lovebug

hi , mylo
you are right, that i wanted to say , but i said in my mind, i must congratulate them, then say that
maybe family of your Fiance didnt know well how is the marriage be between islam and another religion

Compromise by having a Turkish wedding and an English wedding. Teach children of the union both religions and lets them choose when they are old enough in.

Best wishes to you both for your future life together.

I am a christian, and my religion is very important to me. I go to church every week, pray at meal times and bed time etc. My husband is muslim though. When you feel all the romantic exciting feelingd of love and butterflies, it can feel like as long as you love eachother everything else will fall into place. Real marriage isn't like this though. That's why I love that you are taking the time to think about things responsibly. As far as my husband and I work it out, we respect eachothers religions. My husband prays with us for meal times etc. comes to church when theres something special on. On the other side, our son was circumsised and doesn't eat pork. As Christine said, it takes comprimise. Teach the kids what you both believe in and they will choose for themselves after. Although just be aware of how strong your religion is to you and her because it will hurt emotionally sometimes to be with someone or have your kids not believe the same things. But seems to me you and her are very much in love and very mature about the relationship in discussing your future together, i have a lot of respect for that.

Hi Mylo,

Catholic weddings take about 1 1/2 hours (give or take). You have the Catholic mass which is approx. an hour and then the vows. Depending on what other things you may add (some people incorporate extra readings, lighting of a unity candle, etc.) So it just depends on your particular ceremony.

Have a great night.

Lovebug