I just wonder why adults who reject the tenets of the faith would want to begin their wedded life under those same tenets?
Is it right for a clergyman to decline marrying non-Christians?
2006-11-12 15:07:54 · 19 answers · asked by jejordan 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
That is an excellent question. It makes no sense to me as to why people do that. I would have to guess that they aren't comfortable telling their family that they don't believe in Christianity so they are putting up a facade.
I wouldn't blame a clergyman one bit if they declined marrying anyone who wasn't a member of their church or the Christian faith.
2006-11-13 00:00:53 · answer #1 · answered by Cinnamon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because thats what they want to do and its their wedding and I think we as christians should do anything possible to support any small effort by non-christians to take christian actions. They might just do more christian things if we don't cast them aside when they try. As far as a clergyman rejecting marrying non-christians, this infuriates me. It's the same principle. I have seen preachers turn down the request to marry a couple that was living together simply because they were commiting a sin. Well last time I checked their's noone perfect out there, and this particular couple was trying to make things right with God, and what business is it of any man to stop that? I say if anyone wants to do anything christian, marriage ceremony included, we should go for it full blast!
2006-11-13 01:51:06 · answer #2 · answered by ASH 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are they marrying in the church to possibly make their parents happy? A clergy man has the legal right to marry people and if it doesnt matter to them if its a priest or a justice of the peace but it makes their family happy, so be it. If the clergyman does not want to perform the ceremony its his right to decline.
2006-11-12 15:53:27 · answer #3 · answered by fancyname 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most likely due to cultural influence more then anything. Many people dream about and spend hours planing their wedding and in modern times it almost always involves getting married in a church.
A clergyman can decline marrying anyone he wishes as far as I know.
2006-11-12 15:14:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean atheists? Catholics? Jewish? Muslim?
Or just those who aren't atheist but aren't entirely Christian either?
Look, personally, I have many doubts. I do not have any official religion. I lean toward Christianity but can't throw my whole heart into it. But something still pulls me towards a church wedding and if there IS a God it just feels right to have his blessing and do it the "right" way.
If someone is seeking a church wedding, that usually means a part of them at least WANTS to believe in God - and they shouldn't be turned away - getting married there could be the push that helps them believe or go to Church more often.
2006-11-12 15:12:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most not all religious weddings first establish that the participants are of that faith or at least one of them. it is right to decline performing a religious service for someone that has no clue what your doing or attempting to do. In the catholic church, marriage is considered a sacrament.
2006-11-12 15:25:43 · answer #6 · answered by cuttlekid 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah a clergyman can not marry you. It's his preference really. Mostly it is tradition. Churches make great venues for non-christian couples. Ready seating, the traditional aisle in most cases. Most clergymen require you attend pre-marital counseling. Those that don't will prolly marry a non-christian couple.
2006-11-12 15:13:05 · answer #7 · answered by bubb1e_gir1 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes though people aren't "Christian" they consider themselves 'spiritual'. That could be one reason.
And yes, clergy can refuse to perform ceremonies. Some will not marry anyone outside of a church. Some will not marry a couple if they don't adhere to the clergy's beliefs. Some will not do interfaith marriages.
I won't perform a ceremony in a cave.
2006-11-12 16:09:42 · answer #8 · answered by weddrev 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some Folks don't believe in going to Church,( that does not make them automatically "non Christians") but still believe in God; so they have a right to a Church wedding. The Clergy can deny a Church wedding for a Number of reasons, but maybe he hopes that they will later be active in Church.
2006-11-12 15:17:27 · answer #9 · answered by lousylaus 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Of course it's right for a clergyman to decline marrying non-christians, but I don't think it's alright to decline marrying Christians to non-christians, or people of other denominations.
2006-11-12 15:13:02 · answer #10 · answered by tyreanpurple 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋