New guide supports Christian-Muslim marriages

The Independent yesterday reported on a new guide launched over the weekend by the Christian Muslim Forum (CMF), dealing with interfaith marriages between members of the two faith groups.

The article states that the document, ‘When two faiths meet’ (available here), “emphasises the need for tolerance and acceptance of mixed-faith marriages”. It adds that it is “significant because those supporting it include imams from the more orthodox Islamic schools of thought and evangelical Christians” The guide is designed for faith leaders who work pastorally with mixed faith couples and their families.

According to the paper, those who have signed up to the document include the Leicester-based imam, Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra; the associate Bishop of Southwark Catholic Archdiocese, the Right Rev Paul Hendricks; and Amra Bone, member of a Birmingham based shari’ah council.

The paper cites figures from the 2001 census which put the total of mixed-faith married couples in the UK at 21,000 adding that “demographers believe the figure is considerably higher”. The paper refers to the difficult situations mixed-faith couples sometimes face such as hostility and resistance from family members and wider society, as well pressure on spouses to convert to their partner’s faith.

The CMF guidelines contain a number of recommendations including the need for non-judgmental support; rejecting forced conversions; and prioritising the welfare of children.

Speaking to the Independent, Sheikh Mogra said that faith leaders and communities need to be prepared for what is an increasing phenomenon:

“Christian and Muslim couples often face very challenging scenarios where there is not enough tolerance or the right pastoral care and that can lead to a very damaging and negative experience for them.”

“It’s clearly already an issue and something that will become more and more common.”

He added that, “It makes sense for pastors and imams to be ready for such situations rather than be left without help of guidelines when they get approached by couples seeking their advice.”

Given the significance and growing number of mixed-faith marriages in the UK, the guidelines are an important addition to the materials available to faith leaders from Muslim and Christian communities in dealing with issues arising from such unions. And contrary to the manner in which they are sometimes portrayed – particularly the issue of conversions which are often painted in a negative light – such relationships are significant in a society where difference cultures, religions and communities live and interact.