Interfaith Marriage in Christianity - Inter-denominational Marriages

Inter-denominational Marriages

The Roman Catholic Church requires permission for mixed marriages, which it terms all unions between Catholics and baptized non-Catholics (Eastern Orthodox and many Protestants). Such marriages are valid, though illicit, without this specific permission. The pastor of the Catholic party has authority to grant such permission. Also, historically, the mixed marriage cannot be officiated by a non-Catholic pastor as doing so would warrant excommunication for the Catholic partner. The baptized non-Catholic partner does not have to convert. Previously, the baptized non-Catholic partner had to agree to raise the children Catholic, but under current rules only the Catholic spouse must promise to do so.