Can I return to the Catholic Church after converting to Islam?

[mrbailey712]

I made the biggest mistake of my life. I left the Church to get married to a woman I have loved for several years. She was muslim and I was not. I went through the process of converting to Islam in order to get married, but I did not, and do not, believe the assertions in the shahadah (muslim statement of faith).

I am tortured now. I want to return to the Church and to my Lord Jesus Christ. To do so will almost certainly end my marriage. All I know is that I cannot live as a muslim. I feel as though I am lost.

Is it possible for a former Catholic, who converted to Islam to get married, to reconvert and become Catholic once again?
Is the marriage to a muslim seen as valid by the Church?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Mr.,

Certainly, you can return to the Catholic Church. In the United States priests have been delegated to receive those who have apostasized within the sacrament of Penance. The Church does not recognize as valid any marriage of a Catholic outside of the Church. You say that you converted in order to get married, but that you cannot accept the teachings of Islam. I’ would have to have more information to know if your marriage is valid. I suggest that you see a priest in person.

You don’t mention if there are children. You do have an obligation toward them if this is the case.

You are in my prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.