Michael Brooks
The Catholic Church recognises marriages between two baptised non-Catholic Christians, as well as marriages between baptised non-Catholic Christians and Catholic Christians, the latter being referred to as mixed marriages. While the Church permits such unions, it does not consider them to be sacramental, and the Catholic Christian must seek permission from their bishop for the marriage to occur. This permission is known as a dispensation from disparity of cult. The Catholic Church requires a dispensation for mixed marriages, which can be granted by the bishop or ordinary of the territory where the marriage takes place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catholic Church view on Catholics marrying non-believers | The Catholic Church calls this situation "disparity of cult" and there are circumstances in which such a marriage may be allowed. |
| Catholic Church view on Catholics marrying non-Catholics | The Catholic Church recognizes marriages between Catholics and non-Catholics, although in such cases, consent from the diocesan bishop must be obtained, with this termed "permission to enter into a mixed marriage". |
| Catholic Church view on Catholics marrying non-Christians | The Catholic Church recognizes marriages between Catholics and non-Christians, although in such cases, permission from the bishop is required, known as "dispensation from disparity of cult". |
| Catholic Church view on marriage | The Catholic Church views marriage as a "covenant by which a man and woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring". |
| Catholic Church view on divorce | The Catholic Church does not recognize divorce, as it believes that marriage is lifelong and that God never intended it to be dissolved (Matt. 19:6-9). |
| Catholic Church view on contraception | The Catholic Church considers any form of artificial contraception as "gravely evil", including barrier methods, hormonal methods, sterilization, and "pulling out" (Gen. 38:8-10, CCC 2370). |
| Catholic Church view on interfaith marriage | The Catholic Church offers guidelines for interfaith marriages, where a baptized Christian wishes to marry a non-baptized person. |
| Catholic Church view on same-sex marriage | The Catholic Church does not recognize same-sex unions as marriage. |
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What You'll Learn
Mixed marriages
The Catholic Church recognises two types of mixed marriages: sacramental and non-sacramental. If a Catholic marries a baptised person who is not Catholic—such as an Episcopalian, Presbyterian, or Baptist—the wedding is a sacrament. If a Catholic marries a person who is not baptised—such as a Hindu, Jew, or Muslim—the wedding is not a sacrament.
A mixed marriage in the Catholic Church requires a priest to receive a special dispensation in writing from the bishop. This dispensation is always given as long as the Catholic has agreed to continue practising the Catholic faith and has promised to raise their children as Catholics. The priest must secure this promise in good faith and meet with the couple to help them understand the spiritual importance of matrimony.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that differences in confession between spouses do not constitute an insurmountable obstacle to marriage, as long as they can place in common what they have received from their respective communities and learn from each other how each lives in fidelity to Christ. However, the difficulties of mixed marriages must not be underestimated, as they can arise from the separation of Christians and the differences in faith, religious mentalities, and notions of marriage. These differences can become sources of tension in marriage, especially regarding the education of children.
While there is limited data on marriages between religious and non-religious couples, some sources suggest that focusing on shared values rather than beliefs can help these marriages succeed.
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Disparity of cult
The Catholic Church calls marriages between a Catholic and a non-Catholic "disparity of cult". Such marriages are not considered to be sacramental and are only allowed under certain conditions.
The Catholic Church recognizes as sacramental marriages between two baptized non-Catholic Christians, as well as marriages between baptized non-Catholic Christians and Catholic Christians. In the latter case, consent from the diocesan bishop must be obtained, with this termed "permission to enter into a mixed marriage".
For a Catholic to marry a non-baptized person, the Catholic must obtain a dispensation from their bishop. This is a special permission that is usually granted as long as the Catholic agrees to remain practicing the Catholic faith and raise their children as Catholics. The wedding must also take place in a Catholic church, witnessed by a Catholic priest or deacon, and using Catholic rituals unless the bishop gives permission to vary these requirements.
The Church was historically reluctant to allow mixed marriages, only granting dispensations to "avoid greater evils" or in cases of grave necessity. The concern was that Catholics might be tempted to leave the faith if they married someone who did not share their beliefs. This concern persists, with the Church still requiring Catholics entering into mixed marriages to agree to do their best to raise their children as Catholics.
While the Church does place requirements on Catholics who wish to marry non-Catholics, it also tries to accommodate mixed marriages and bless them, recognizing that they have been a source of countless blessings in many lives.
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Sacramental and non-sacramental marriages
The Catholic Church recognises two types of marriages: sacramental and non-sacramental. A sacramental marriage, also known as holy matrimony, is a "covenant by which a man and woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring". This covenant "has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament between the baptised".
A sacramental marriage can be between two baptised non-Catholic Christians, or between a baptised non-Catholic Christian and a Catholic Christian. In the latter case, permission from the diocesan bishop is required. The Catholic Church also recognises marriages between a Catholic and a non-Catholic Christian as sacramental, provided the Catholic party has obtained a dispensation from the impediment of disparity of cult. This dispensation presupposes that both parties know and do not exclude the essential ends and properties of marriage, and that the Catholic party has agreed to preserve their faith and ensure the baptism and Catholic education of their children.
A non-sacramental marriage is one in which a Catholic marries a non-baptised person, such as a Hindu, Jew, or Muslim. In this case, the wedding is not a sacrament because the non-baptised person is unable to receive the sacrament of marriage. While the Catholic Church recognises non-sacramental marriages as valid, it considers them to be of a lower spiritual value than sacramental marriages.
Throughout history, the Catholic Church has emphasised the superiority of virginity and celibacy over marriage. However, it also acknowledges the blessings that can come from mixed marriages, and seeks to accommodate and bless these unions. While it is possible for a Catholic to marry a non-Catholic in a non-Catholic church, the Catholic Church encourages Catholics to marry in a Catholic church, with the assistance of their parish priest, to ensure that the marriage is recognised as valid and blessed by the Church.
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Conditions for a valid marriage
The Catholic Church recognises two types of marriages: sacramental and non-sacramental. A sacramental marriage is one in which both parties are baptised, whereas a non-sacramental marriage is one in which one party is not baptised. Marriages between Catholics and non-Christians are considered non-sacramental but may still be valid in the eyes of the Church.
A valid Catholic marriage is one that meets the following requirements:
- Both parties are free to marry, meaning there is no impediment according to canon law.
- Both parties freely exchange their consent.
- Both parties intend to marry for life, be faithful to one another, and be open to having children.
- Their consent is given in the presence of two witnesses and before a properly authorised Church minister.
If a Catholic wishes to marry a non-Catholic, they must seek permission from the local bishop. This is called a "dispensation from canonical form". The Catholic must agree to continue practising the Catholic faith and promise to raise their children as Catholics.
The Catholic Church refers to marriages between a Catholic and a non-Catholic as mixed marriages. While the Church does not prohibit mixed marriages, it acknowledges that they can present difficulties due to differences in faith and religious mentalities, especially regarding the education of children.
Historical context
Historically, the Catholic Church did not prescribe any specific rituals for celebrating marriages. However, in the late medieval period, marriage vows came to be exchanged in a church in the presence of a priest. The Council of Trent in the 16th century further reinforced the Church's control over the marriage process, aiming to prevent invalid marriages and abuses in clandestine marriages. The Tametsi decree of 1563 required marriages to take place before the parish priest or a delegated priest and at least two witnesses for the marriage to be considered valid.
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Raising children in the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church calls marriages between a Catholic and a non-Catholic a "disparity of cult" or a mixed marriage. While the Church does not forbid such marriages, it does require that the Catholic party confirms their obligation to preserve their own faith and ensure the baptism and Catholic education of their children.
Catholic parents are responsible for nurturing the vocation of each child, showing by example how to live the Catholic life. The Church teaches that the family, or "domestic Church", is the first place where children learn how to pray and grow in their faith. Parents are the first to proclaim the faith to their children and are responsible for fostering Christian virtues within them.
The Church encourages parents to spend time with their children, as this provides more opportunities to make an impact on them. Parents should aim to raise their children to have a personal relationship with Jesus, which is forged in prayer and spills out into growth, responsible decisions, and maturity in the faith.
The Church acknowledges that it can be challenging to raise children in the Catholic faith, especially in a society where many have left the Church. It encourages parents to seek support from their parish, youth minister, Catholic school, or other resources. Ultimately, the main objective of Catholic parents is to guide their children towards heaven.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Catholics can marry non-Catholics. This is known as a "mixed marriage".
A mixed marriage is a marriage between a Catholic and a baptised non-Catholic. If a Catholic marries an unbaptised non-Catholic, this is known as a "disparity of cult" marriage.
A mixed marriage usually takes place in a Catholic church, witnessed by a Catholic priest or deacon, and using the Catholic ritual. However, a bishop can give permission for a different location, minister, or ritual.
The Catholic must receive a dispensation from the bishop, and the couple must agree to raise their children as Catholics.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that differences about faith and the notion of marriage can become sources of tension in the marriage, especially regarding the education of children. A 2015 Pew study showed that children with one Catholic and one non-Catholic parent were much less likely to remain Catholic in adulthood than children with two Catholic parents.
