Should a best man give his witness to a marriage outside of the Catholic Church?

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bigbeliever6

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My question and concern has to do with my friend, who is Catholic, and has asked me to be his best man for his wedding. I told him I would, but this was before I found out that his wife, who is a non-denominational protestant, wants the wedding to take place at her church. It’s my understanding that I should not attend this wedding because I would be condoning a marriage that isn’t sacramental and wouldn’t be considered valid under the Catholic Church. Is my understanding correct?

Are there any exceptions to this rule? For instance, could the marriage be blessed by a priest after the wedding has taken place at the protestant church? Also, what if my friend didn’t consider himself Catholic(eventhough he is born and raised)…then would that make it possible for me to attend the wedding? Thanks for your help in advance. God bless!
 
If he get a dispensation from the Church, I believe it would be OK to be a witness.
 
bigbeliever6 said:
My question and concern has to do with my friend, who is Catholic, and has asked me to be his best man for his wedding. I told him I would, but this was before I found out that his wife, who is a non-denominational protestant, wants the wedding to take place at her church. It’s my understanding that I should not attend this wedding because I would be condoning a marriage that isn’t sacramental and wouldn’t be considered valid under the Catholic Church. Is my understanding correct?

Are there any exceptions to this rule? For instance, could the marriage be blessed by a priest after the wedding has taken place at the protestant church? Also, what if my friend didn’t consider himself Catholic(eventhough he is born and raised)…then would that make it possible for me to attend the wedding? Thanks for your help in advance. God bless!
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Your friend could (and may have already) ask for dispensation to allow him to marry in a location other than a Catholic Church. Usually, a priest or deacon is present. With the dispensation, the marriage is a valid and sacramental as if it were in a Catholic Church.

I have heard two different versions of what makes one an ex-Catholic. Maybe we will hear from one of the cannonists on this.
 
As others have said, I believe a dispensation can be granted by your Ordinary (bishop). However, if that is not forthcoming, you should not attend the wedding or reception. If you mention this to your friend the groom, that will give him the impetus to seek this.

However, my experience has been that these types of marriages are not good for souls, or marriages for that matter. I actively discourage dating between Catholics and non-Catholics. Being a single man, I myself would not consider dating a woman who is not Catholic.
 
bigbeliever6 said:
My question and concern has to do with my friend, who is Catholic, and has asked me to be his best man for his wedding. I told him I would, but this was before I found out that his wife, who is a non-denominational protestant, wants the wedding to take place at her church. It’s my understanding that I should not attend this wedding because I would be condoning a marriage that isn’t sacramental and wouldn’t be considered valid under the Catholic Church. Is my understanding correct?

Are there any exceptions to this rule? For instance, could the marriage be blessed by a priest after the wedding has taken place at the protestant church? Also, what if my friend didn’t consider himself Catholic(eventhough he is born and raised)…then would that make it possible for me to attend the wedding? Thanks for your help in advance. God bless!
Click to expand...
Are there any exceptions to this rule?

The Marriage could be valid and accepted by the Church if the permission of the Catholic Bishop is obtained 1. For the Marriage of a Catholic and a Baptized non-Catholic. 2. For it to take place in her church. 3. For the marriage to take place without a Catholic cleric present.

For instance, could the marriage be blessed by a priest after the wedding has taken place at the protestant church?

Yes but it would be wrong to intentionally do so.

Also, what if my friend didn’t consider himself Catholic(eventhough he is born and raised)…then would that make it possible for me to attend the wedding?

It would not make any difference unless he has formally left the Catholic Church.
 
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