Marriage btw lapsed Catholic and non-Catholic

[de_profundis]

Hi

My brother is likely to wed his girlfriend of 10 years next year. He was confirmed at age 12 but rejected the Church at age 13 or 14 with the usual “you made me do it, I didn’t do it in freedom, the Church is evil, etc.” discourse with my parents (this was about 12 years ago now). So in that sense, while he is baptised and confirmed, in his present state he doesn’t identify himself in any way as a Catholic. In fact my whole extended family now rejects the Church apart from my mother, a convert, and I.

My question is, since the marriage would be between one who has long renounced their Catholic faith, and a non-Catholic, would there be any issue in me participating in such a celebration? I fully intend to, but would like to have all the information I can get.

Thanks.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi

My brother is likely to wed his girlfriend of 10 years next year. He was confirmed at age 12 but rejected the Church at age 13 or 14 with the usual “you made me do it, I didn’t do it in freedom, the Church is evil, etc.” discourse with my parents (this was about 12 years ago now). So in that sense, while he is baptised and confirmed, in his present state he doesn’t identify himself in any way as a Catholic. In fact my whole extended family now rejects the Church apart from my mother, a convert, and I.

My question is, since the marriage would be between one who has long renounced their Catholic faith, and a non-Catholic, would there be any issue in me participating in such a celebration? I fully intend to, but would like to have all the information I can get.

Thanks.

Attending could imply that you approve of the invalid Marriage and give rise to scandal. Your brother is still bound to the laws of the Catholic Church.

vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/intrptxt/documents/rc_pc_intrptxt_doc_20060313_actus-formalis_en.html

 

[de_profundis]

Thanks brother for the link, I will investigate it now.

If you have time could you please elaborate on what kind of scandal my attendance may give rise to. I am familiar with the phrase but lack the proper insight to see how this may be an issue here.