Mixed Marriages

In the Catholic Church there are two types of 'mixed marriage':

1. Between a Catholic and someone who has been baptised in another Christian church

This marriage will require express permission from the Catholic party's parish priest.

2. Between a Catholic and someone who has not been baptised

This marriage will need a dispensation, obtainable through the parish priest

In either case the Catholic party has to undertake to avoid the danger of falling away from the faith, and promise to do everything possible 'within the unity of the partnership' to ensure the Catholic baptism and upbringing of all children of the marriage.

The priest must also be able to sign a statement saying that, in his opinion, the non-Catholic will not oppose the fulfilment of the promise made by the Catholic.