Can a Jehova's Witness be in the wedding party of a couple marrying in a Protestant church?

Question

What if the groom is her father, does that allow any leeway?

or if she can't be in the wedding party, can she attend the wedding as a guest?

***I am hoping that Jehova's Witnesses will answer, not people who don't truly know (no offense).

Laura, THAT is why I'm asking Jehova's Witnesses...

to those with NO CLUE, please refrain from answering!

the number of uneducated folks answering this is alarming...
old guy: a wedding party is NOT the bride and groom only...duh...

We would like her to be a junior bridesmaid... think that's illegal?

Perhaps this question is hard to understand, but let me rephrase...

Would a JW's RELIGION prohibit her from participating in a wedding ceremony at a Presbyterian Church?

thank you, Sweet Pea... this is the only answer to my question yet!

Last edit--SORRY I misspelled JEHOVAH! So sorry.

Answer 1

Yes.

A Jehovah's Witness might choose to accept the invitation to be in the wedding party of a couple marrying in a non-Witness house of worship, if the Witness herself was not expected to personally participate in any religious ritual.

For example, she would not kiss any icon, kneel at any altar, or join in the prayer of a non-Witness minister, such as by conspicuously bowing her head or holding hands with others who are praying. Of course, the Witness respects the dignity of the occasion and will likely cooperate with reasonable non-religious requests.

To reiterate, there would be no religious repercussions (such as disassociation or reproof) for a Jehovah's Witness who chose such non-religious participation, even at a house of worship.

Now... while the matter is not strictly a religious one, many or most Jehovah's Witnesses would be reluctant to participate as a member of the wedding party of a couple marrying in a non-Witness house of worship. A Witness may believe that his participation could be interpreted by non-Witnesses as a compromise of his religion (although it is not), or as an endorsement of the house of worship (which it is not). Or, the Witness may simply wish to distance himself from anything which he believes to involve false worship.

Many or most Jehovah's Witnesses are much more comfortable attending or participating in a wedding officiated at a hotel, home, garden, or other dignified location, yet they recognize that the bride and groom are free to make such choices for themselves.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20020208/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20040301/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20020801/


EDIT:
The matter changes somewhat if the potential bridesmaid (or whatever) is a minor. Minors remain subject to their parents, meaning that if EITHER the minor OR the parent had objection, the minor would not participate.

In any event, it seems best if the family refrains from discussing their personal decisions outside the family. The fewer that learn of the family's decisions, the less the opportunity to 'stumble' others.

Answer 2

It all depends on the person. Personally, as a JW I would not. However, I would attend the reception if it was a family member.

You mention a junior bridesmaid. Does this mean that her mother is a witness? In that case it would depend on the age of the person, is she a minor, then it would mean her mother giving permission. If she is of age and unbaptised, then it would be down to her conscience.

This is really a case of conscience, there is really no right or wong answer.

Answer 3

It really is up to the individual.
Or the parent of a minor.
It is not restricted,
as in we are told not
to go to any other church.
We all have free will.
Also, depending on any sort of participation.
Even the prayer.
When I 1st started studying,
I went to a family wedding at a small, local church,
my Most Favorite part was when they said
"in the Name of Jehovah."
I just about jumped out of my seat.

Answer 4

Jesus was at a wedding and he drank and enjoyed the celebration. So much so that he changed the water into wine. Because they ran out of it. If one is able to bring joy when another runs out of it. That is a blessing from God. Does it matter what denomination one is from. We are all children of God. If you knew the work of God and his ways because they are revealed to us through his spirit. We know that Christianity co-exist with the spirit. God's spirit. It is a joy and a pleasure to be a servant of God and not of the knowledge of man and his ways. Wisdom is justifed by her children. We need wisdom. Proverbs 8.

Answer 5

It doesn't really matter what faith someone professes to have if they are just in the wedding party. To be honest with you, if anyone tells her that she cannot be in the wedding, then that church is in the wrong. It's that couple's wedding and they should be able to plan it and have whomever they wish to have in it. My friend's wedding had atheists and pagans in it in a church. It's not a problem to have a JW in it.

Answer 6

I think it would be up to that persons conscience if they want to participate or not. I was raised a JW and I was never told I couldnt go into another church.(for wedding or funeral) It is left up to that particular person to decide for themselves.

Answer 7

your friend may spontaneously combust upon stepping inside a church of Christendom, the great Harlot (that's how they view your church, incidentally), and listening to your minister bless your marriage. Could be awkward and messy.

Answer 8

What does a persons religious beliefs have to do with being in a wedding party???

Hey miss rude pants, I was simply saying that it doesn't matter a persons faith. That doesn't matter in the slightest!!

Answer 9

any one who can behave themself is welcome at any True Christian Service... it would be up to the Bride and Groom as to who is in the "wedding party" (within the restrictions of the particular rules of the particular "church's" congregation of course)

Answer 10

"What if the groom is her Father" ??? the only leeway that should provide is a free ride to the state prison.