In Roman Catholic eyes, civil and religious marriages between two Protestants, Jews, or atheists are perfectly valid, but a mixed marriage in which one spouse is a Catholic is another and more com plicated matter. If the couple weds before a minister or a justice of the peace, they are no better than man and mistress.
Even if they make their vows before a priest, canon law forbids any nuptial Mass, insists that the Catholic party seek the conversion of his spouse, and demands that the Protestant promise in writing to raise any children as Catholics.
Such rules have long struck many...
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