Wiccan and Episcopalian getting married

[Jean_1958]

I know of a woman who is a Wiccan and can not stand Christianity. She blames Christianity for most of the world’s problems. She will be getting married in the spring to a young man who is Episcopalian. I am not sure what his level of commitment is to his faith.
Does the woman have to promise to raise any children they may have as Episcopalian or is that not a concern? I know that when I was married years ago in the Catholic Church, my husband (non-Catholic) had to promise to raise any children that we would have as Catholic. I was just wondering if the Episopalian Church was similar to the Catholic Church in that regard. Thank you for your responses.

Jean

 

[Hisalone]

There was a Catholic on this board dating a Wiccan.
God through His word says we are not to be unequally yoked with non-believers. But sometimes we think we know better than God.

 

[chris_molter]

I know of a woman who is a Wiccan and can not stand Christianity. She blames Christianity for most of the world’s problems. She will be getting married in the spring to a young man who is Episcopalian. I am not sure what his level of commitment is to his faith.
Does the woman have to promise to raise any children they may have as Episcopalian or is that not a concern?
Jean

I didn’t realize there was a difference anymore…

(kidding… kidding…)

As far as I remember, traditionally, yes, the Episcopalian is urged (though not via anything as forceful as Catholic Canon Law) to Baptize and raise his/her children as Christians (if not Episcopalian).

Of course, with the way things are in TEC right now, the message in your friends parish or diocese might be very different.

 

[Hesychios]

I didn’t realize there was a difference anymore…

(kidding… kidding…)

Sadly, that’s just what I was thinking.

It’s really too bad that the comparison is possible.

As far as I remember, traditionally, yes, the Episcopalian is urged (though not via anything as forceful as Catholic Canon Law) to Baptize and raise his/her children as Christians (if not Episcopalian).

Of course, with the way things are in TEC right now, the message in your friends parish or diocese might be very different.

The Episcopal church is extremely tolerant.

Bishop James K. Pike was very New Age in his thinking, wasn’t he? And bishop Spong seems to be something of an atheist. Although he is tough for me to categorize.

The church has already had Wiccans in the priesthood, and a Muslim who seems to see no contradiction between the two roles. These are not technically allowed but have stood until complaints mounted.

I know that these are all exceptions to the norm. But Archbishop Schori has made statements that make me think she has theosophist leanings, and some bishop (I forget who now) has made pronouncements that sound distinctly Arian. I would not be surprised if there were many more like that.

Since Wicca is a totally made up thing anyway, it hardly matters, but whatever promises are made to get a wedding-dress photo session in front of a great looking altar, the kids won’t be fooled. They will know very well what each of their own parents really believe and who has the stronger convictions. And following that example they will believe and disbelieve just as it suits them from moment to moment.

 

[roanoker]

I don’t believe the wiccans actually believe the articles of faith that they profess. Its just a game with them. Like a lot of new age fads, although its been around in one form or another for a long time. I’ll bet you anything that the children of this couple will not be brought up as “wiccans”. They will be Episcopalians…

 

[Jean_1958]

As far as I remember, traditionally, yes, the Episcopalian is urged (though not via anything as forceful as Catholic Canon Law) to Baptize and raise his/her children as Christians (if not Episcopalian).

---

Thank you Chris, this is what I was asking for.

Jean

 

[Jean_1958]

There was a Catholic on this board dating a Wiccan.
God through His word says we are not to be unequally yoked with non-believers. But sometimes we think we know better than God.

I agree with you.

Jean

 

[Jean_1958]

I don’t believe the wiccans actually believe the articles of faith that they profess. Its just a game with them. Like a lot of new age fads, although its been around in one form or another for a long time. I’ll bet you anything that the children of this couple will not be brought up as “wiccans”. They will be Episcopalians…

I pray that you are right. Thanks.

Jean

 

[BernadetteM]

I was married in the Episcopal church. My husband was not baptised. The pastor never brought up anything about children being brought up as a Christian. He also spoke to us for maybe 30 minutes and that was it. There was no instructions on married life.

We were married within two months of knowing each other. Of course because we were young I never questioned the problems he had. Now many years later I see that he had mental problems and really could never commit to being a husband. He was abusive also and my children suffered greatly from the abuse.

I don’t know if things have changed in the Episcopal church now, but thank God the Catholic Church gives the couple what is expected in a marriage and it probably helps to avoid terrible consequences for some couples.

I do believe we should be evenly yoked, as our faith is what carries us through life.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette