Dear Catholic Exchange:
Is it permissible for a practicing Catholic to marry an atheist? Would this be a valid marriage? The non-believer was baptized Lutheran (parents are from Norway), but from lack of religion in the household and a difficult life, has given up on the existence of God. Thanks for you help! God bless your work!
Mary
Dear Mary,
Peace in Christ!
The Church warns of the difficulties of mixed marriages (between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) and marriages with disparity of cult (between a Catholic and a non-baptized person). “[T]he difficulties of mixed marriages must not be underestimated . . . Disparity of cult can further aggravate these difficulties” (Catechism, no. 1634). The Catholic spouse has the obligation to preserve his or her own faith as well as to raise the children in the Catholic faith (cf. Catechism, no. 1635).
In light of these difficulties, Pope Paul VI, in his 1970 Apostolic Letter On Mixed Marriages, said:
For these reasons the Church, conscious of her duty, discourages the contracting of mixed marriages, for she is the most desirous that Catholics be able in matrimony to attain perfect union of mind and full communion of life. However, since man has the natural right to marry and beget children, the Church, by her laws, which clearly show her pastoral concern, makes such arrangements that on the one hand the principles of divine law be scrupulously observed and that on the other the said right to contract marriages be respected.There are a few things to highlight in Canon Law that are particularly important. Canon Law on mixed marriages is contained on the 1983 Code of Canon Law in canons 1086 and 1124-1129. In Canon 1124, it is made clear that a mixed marriage is strictly forbidden “without the express permission of the ordinary [the diocesan bishop or one deputed to act in his name].”
As indicated, canon 1125 lays down the conditions that must be met before the bishop can grant this permission:
Canon 1125—The local ordinary can grant this permission if there is a just and reasonable cause; he is not to grant it unless the following conditions have been fulfilled:
1. the Catholic party declares that he or she is prepared to remove dangers of falling away from the faith and makes a sincere promise to do all in his or her power to have all the children baptized and brought up in the Catholic Church;
2. the other party is to be informed at an appropriate time of these promises which the Catholic party has to make, so that it is clear that the other party is truly aware of the promise and obligation of the Catholic party;
3. both parties are to be instructed about the purposes and essential properties of marriage, which are not to be excluded by either contractant.
It is important to note that a dispensation (permission from the bishop) is required in all cases in which a Catholic marries a non-Catholic, baptized or not. In cases where the non-Catholic party is baptized and a Catholic rite of marriage is used, this permission is required for the marriage to be licit (that is, in conformity with the laws of the Catholic Church). But it would be invalid (i.e. no marriage) if the couple were married in a non-Catholic ceremony and did not receive a dispensation to do so. In cases where the non-Catholic party is not baptized, this permission is required for the marriage even to be valid (that is, a true marriage, a marriage in the eyes of God). Unless such a dispensation is granted, a marriage between a Catholic and a non-baptized person is invalid because of the impediment known in Canon Law as disparity of cult (cf. canons 1086, 1129).
In both cases, the Catholic party must promise to do all that he or she can do to ensure that their children are raised in the Catholic Faith. The non-Catholic party must be informed of this promise, making clear in his consent that he realizes the Catholic party has made such a promise and accepts that the Catholic party has made such a promise. Even if the couple agrees to and are completely united in adhering to the stipulations of the Church, they should be aware of pressure from family members who do not share that same harmony. This is especially true when children come into the picture. Hurt can result between family members over baptisms and religious education. If there is such a danger, the couple should be resolved to accept the consequences of such a possibility. Family pressures can cause tensions between spouses that can have repercussions for the marital union. Couples should not be naïve concerning such things.
To summarize: As long as the bishop determines that each person involved is properly informed on all a mixed marriage or disparity of cult entails, and that the Catholic party is morally certain there is no danger to his or her faith, the marriage is allowed by the Church with the bishop’s dispensation.
One other important thing to note regarding mixed marriages, is canon 1127, which indicates that under no circumstances is it allowed “before or after the canonical celebration” to have another religious celebration to express or renew matrimonial consent. Also forbidden within that canon is to have a single ceremony in which a Catholic and non-Catholic minister assist together while each celebrating their own rituals. In short, what this means is that a Catholic is to be wed within a Catholic rite and only within a Catholic rite, unless the bishop or his delegate allows otherwise.
I hope this letter helps to answer your concern. If you would like to obtain a copy of the Pope’s letter On Mixed Marriages, you can order it from Benedictus Books (888-316-2640). (This is often published together with the National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ “Statement on the Implementation of the Apostolic Letter On Mixed Marriages.”) Also, both of these documents are found on the internet.
United in the Faith,
Peter Balbirnie
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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