Launch of new guidelines for interreligious marriages

The Christian Muslim Forum has issued new guidelines in response to the increasing number of interreligious marriages.

"When Two Faiths Meet" is based on the advice of Christians and Muslims who have years of experience in pastoral work with mixed-faith couples.

In the guidelines, ministers of religion are encouraged to be welcoming of interreligious couples, and respect the religious freedom of each partner and their families.

Bishop Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Southwark, and Co-Chair of the Christian-Muslim Forum, said the guidelines offered valuable guidance for both priests and imams.

"With an increasing number of Christian-Muslim couples entering into marriage, we also need an increased awareness of the particular pastoral support that is owed to them, which can help them and their loved ones discover their marriage as a place of dialogue, and a beneficial link between two religions," he said.

Director of the Christian Muslim Forum, Julian Bond, said the organisation's work in this area was "difficult but important" for inter-faith dialogue, cooperation and conflict resolution.

The full guidelines can be found online at www.christianmuslimforum.org/index.php/resources