A question about weddings

[Purple_Junebug]

I’ve heard of Catholics who refuse to go to their relative’s wedding because he/she married a non-Catholic; is it sinful or wrong to go to an interfaith wedding? Even if it is held in the Catholic church? What about weddings of relatives outside of the Catholic church? Finally, what about going to a gay/lesbian relative’s “wedding”? I have a lesbian aunt who asked me, if one day she were to “marry” her girlfriend, would I be a bridesmaid in the wedding? At the time I said yes but I’m still unsure whether it is a sin to do so. I don’t acknowledge it as a real marriage but at the same time I don’t want to leave my aunt all alone if this were to happen. What do you think?

 

[1ke]

is it sinful or wrong to go to an interfaith wedding?

One cannot answer this question universally, it will depend upon the circumstances.

Even if it is held in the Catholic church?

Well, the Church is presiding over the marriage, do you think they would do so if it were sinful?

What about weddings of relatives outside of the Catholic church?

Do you mean marriages of non-Catholics? It is perfectly fine to attend a non-Catholic wedding.

Do you mean a marriage that involves a Catholic? Then the answer depends upon whether or not they have received a dispensation to be married outside Catholic form. The Church permits this, so of course it would be fine to attend if they received this permission. If they did not, then that would be something to discuss with your priest.

Finally, what about going to a gay/lesbian relative’s “wedding”? I have a lesbian aunt who asked me, if one day she were to “marry” her girlfriend, would I be a bridesmaid in the wedding? At the time I said yes but I’m still unsure whether it is a sin to do so. I don’t acknowledge it as a real marriage but at the same time I don’t want to leave my aunt all alone if this were to happen. What do you think?

You may not participate or attend such an event. It is not a wedding at all.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

A lot of people on here will tell you not to attend an invalid wedding, but talk to your priest. Because my fiance is an atheist who was born and raised Catholic and we are having a secular wedding his family, immediate and extended all talked to their priests and were told to go and celebrate. Even one of our groomsmen, who is an extremely devout catholic got permission to stand up at our wedding. Obviously circumstances differ, so talk to your priest.

 

[dshix]

1ke is always so clear and concise.

And correct, I may add. :thumbsup: