Technorati Tags: marriage, church
Question from MICHAEL on 5/14/2008:
My wife's nephew, who has been living with his girl friend, is now getting married by a justice of the peace. He was raised Catholic (I don't know how well-raised) but nevertheless. We live in Michigan and he is getting married in Las Vegas. My wife wants to go (actually insists she must be there) I will not go because I feel I cannot celebrate marriage outside the church for someone raised in the faith. I'm a little disappointed (and upset) she does not agree with me. What is the best course of action?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 5/22/2008:
MIchael, I congratulate you who plan to take the only Christian response to this oncoming invalid wedding. Try to induce your spouse to avoid it, if you can. This couple will be looking for real Catholic help eventually and so I expect they will be searching for you. Fr. Bob Levis
Question from MICHAEL on 5/14/2008:
My wife's nephew, who has been living with his girl friend, is now getting married by a justice of the peace. He was raised Catholic (I don't know how well-raised) but nevertheless. We live in Michigan and he is getting married in Las Vegas. My wife wants to go (actually insists she must be there) I will not go because I feel I cannot celebrate marriage outside the church for someone raised in the faith. I'm a little disappointed (and upset) she does not agree with me. What is the best course of action?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 5/22/2008:
MIchael, I congratulate you who plan to take the only Christian response to this oncoming invalid wedding. Try to induce your spouse to avoid it, if you can. This couple will be looking for real Catholic help eventually and so I expect they will be searching for you. Fr. Bob Levis
With all due respect, that response seems unchristian and unforgiving. Whatever happened to forgive and love the sinner and hate the sin. By not going to this wedding you will be creating a divide between you and your nephew that may not be able to be overcome. Your wife seems to "get" that it is a matter of support, love, and family obligation. If you want to be around when the time comes that your nephew may need help and direction you probably should not alienate him. This situation came up in my husband's family when his parent's refused to go to their grandson's wedding much for the same reason, even though their pastor told them it was alright to attend because they were going to be there out of a sense of love for their grandson and family obligation. They did not go and it has caused strained relationships with their daughter, son-in-law and grandson and many of their other children. It does not automatically imply that you agree with the fact that this is not a Christian wedding. It does imply that you care about your nephew and your sense of family and obligation. If this was not a family wedding,or if it was a different religious sect, would you go?
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