Where to get married?!
Hello,
my fiancé and I were both brought up as Catholics, however since leaving school around 10 years ago, neither of us attend church-ever if I am honest. Although I do not attend mass I still have my religious beliefs and I have always believed I do not need to go to church to say a prayer as God can hear me wherever I am. I would like to get married in a church however I am unsure whether I want to get married in the catholic church, I find the strictness of the catholic religion slightly old fashioned, do we have to get married in a catholic church or can we choose the church of England? I don't really know where we stand on this, is it strange we don't want to use the catholic church to get married in even though we have both been brought up within the catholic religion? I'm a bit confused as to what I really want?!
Comments
Hi Rebecca
My own view is simply that you have been brought up as a Christian and you clearly have a relationship with God. You are quite right that you can talk to God anywhere - and I highly recommend this!
As far as the Church is concerned there are lots of churches who all do things slightly differently, and if you want to be part of a church community or family then it's good to find one in which you feel welcomed and comfortable - whatever that denomination happens to be...Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist etc...there are lots of us and you are free to choose. You don't have to follow the church of your parent's choice - just as you are not obliged to vote for the same political party as they do. As adults you are free to make that choice for yourselves. I don't think God cares as much about splitting into 'groups' as we do. He just wants to be part of your life.
As far as your wedding is concerned I am happy to tell you that your local Church of England church considers you both to be parishioners whether you attend or not - and you are welcome to marry there with no strings attached.
Don't get too tangled up in Church politics - just keep praying anywhere and everywhere and I'm sure he'll bless you on the day and into the future - whatever you decide.
Kind regards
Jan x