What happens when you and your partner come from different religions?   Then the answer could be an Interfaith Ceremony.  The Minister takes elements of the various religions and combines these in a unique and tailor-made ceremony.  You may not necessarily even come from different faiths, maybe you fancy something a little bit more than just a Civil Ceremony but feel that being married in a church is not a true reflection of your beliefs.  You could also have an Interfaith Ceremony for a Vow Renewal or a Civil Partnership.

An Interfaith Minister is an ordained, self-employed and non-denominational Minister who has undertaken an intensive two year training in Ministry and Spiritual Counselling with the Interfaith Seminary. The core belief of the Seminary is “Many ways, One Truth” meaning that there is one God/Truth with many wonderful and sacred paths leading to the Source of All. At the heart is Love, which is the central focus of all faiths and traditions. Interfaith does not rival traditional religions but serves as an inclusive spiritual addition.

The beauty of an Interfaith marriage ceremony, vow renewal or civil partnership is that it can include anything your heart desires and be held at a venue to suit your needs. Recent requests have included a Stone Circle in Cumbria, a beach in Cornwall and the gardens of a Stately home. Everything is possible and nothing is essential or prescribed. The Service will include the elements that are right for you and your partner and which reflect your respective beliefs or none. If for example, you are drawn to the Native American tradition, your Service can be created to reflect that. If you are marrying someone with different beliefs to you or from a different religious background, the Service can incorporate elements from both. The key is respect and flexibility.

For an Interfaith ceremony, the law still currently requires that you make your legal commitment with a Registrar. (This is not the case in Scotland where an Interfaith Minister is licensed to conduct all aspects). However, many venues are registered for weddings, to which the Registrar will come. The key aspect, whether in a Registry office or an external venue with a visiting Registrar, is to save the exchanging of rings to be part of your specially created ceremony in the presence of your family and friends. It is perfectly possible to complete the legal side of the proceedings several days or even weeks before your “big day”.

This is co-created by the couple with as much or as little guidance and input from the Minister as required. Initial discussions will determine the real essence of what you want to share with each other in your vows and the intentions for your life together. Often the Minister will ask you individually to consider a range of questions such as “what attracted you to each other when you first met?”, “what is it that you really love and appreciate about the other?”, “what are your spiritual beliefs, and how would you like those to be reflected in the ceremony?” Answering these questions forms the basis for a truly beautiful, personal and meaningful ceremony that deepens your love and your relationship as you start the next phase of your lives together.

An Interfaith Minister can offer a range of suggestions for structure, music, readings and vows and will conduct the ceremony on the day.

For further information contact:

 akasha@interfaithminister.co.uk

or visit www.interfaithminister.co.uk.

Full information on the Seminary and Interfaith Ministry Training can be found at www.theinterfaithseminary.com