We may prove helpful to those who are considering marriage to someone of an unlike background. Our clerics strive to celebrate the union of two traditions rather that to impose conditions which the couple must satisfy. The couple will come to view their respective religious traditions as springboards into a shared life. The past is honored, the present solemnized, the future regarded with hope. As a Religious Ordre with deep Faith in our fellow man we affirm his right to make significant life choices freely and intelligently. We regard the human mind as one of the great avenues to spiritual realization, we encourage among our adherents the free play of scientific and philosophic thought, effectively combining reason with theological proposition.

Judging someone else's ability to marry properly is at best an unfair proposition. Yet the religious leaders of the world continue to do so on a regular basis. The verdict passed on an interfaith or a second marriage generally reflects disapproval. We need to recognize that the couple who is contemplating marriage or those who have already joined their lives together are the ones who can offer insight into their relationship.

Those who find themselves labeled as a "Difficult" or "mixed" or "interfaith" marriage insist that the value and individual qualities of the couple supersede concerns for similar backgrounds. The assumption that unlike backgrounds signifies an inherent flaw in a marriage composition suggests that society can only sanction love when there are strings attached.

Often couples face bitter obstacles which love alone cannot erase. A quandary exists as to how best to respond to an insensitive, even hostile environment. Some couples question the wisdom and prudence of their heartfelt decision to marry. Some couples elect to move to another place where the expectation is that a less judgmental culture will prove more conducive to raising children of a mixed marriage.

There can be no doubt that couples with diverse backgrounds face a valid wide range of concerns as they pledge to make their marriages work. Concerns expressed to us are:

• Family disappointment and outright embarrassment.
  
• Society's skepticism, "We all know these marriages fail".
  
• Grandparents' concerns about which religion the children will be raised in.
  
• Religious Concerns. Can the children be baptized in church, will they be admitted to religious school? How will they be treated?
  
• Family Concerns such as which religious and ethnic customs will be observed and remain intact.
  
• Isolation resulting from a breakdown of support from the family and friends.
  

It would be ludicrous to suggest The Ordre has the ability to wholly change the attitudes of the world. It is our desire to transcend the religious and cultural difficulties that those in need have experienced. We wish to extend our compassion, concern, love and caring, which has been our tradition for over a thousand years. We welcome those that stand on the periphery of their religious community which chooses not to honor their religious differences. So you may, once again, find each other in the warmth of a caring faith, with support and understanding, during your time of need.

We welcome all to our altar who approach reverently and sincerely. We have no wish to proselytize, in the aggressive sense, from the adherents of any other church, and as an earnest servant of the Eternal Christ, welcome ALL people to our services and activities without asking or expecting them to leave their original house of worship. We enjoy and seek full spiritual fellowship with other religious of the world.

Before considering a civil alternative to your "difficult" marital problem, we suggest it might be wise to discuss your situation fully with one of our clerics. You will find him to be sympathetic, compassionate and understanding. He will listen to you and evaluate your situation with an open mind.

To view our Interfaith ceremony click here.