Another potential challenge that interchurch couples can face
is the lack of acceptance from others. This lack
of acceptance can come from multiple sources, including parents,
siblings, priests and ministers, church members, and even one's
partner and children! The extent to which the lack of acceptance
is problematic will vary from couple to couple. Some couples will
experience little in the way of lack of acceptance, while others
may experience strong opposition to their interchurch relationship
from family or others. In some cases, this lack of acceptance may
become internalized, leading to the individual or couple even feeling
embarrassed to admit they are an interchurch couple or family.
Debbie, for example, said that it was difficult to acknowledge
that not all family members were Catholic. She said that a priest
friend “brought us out of the closet.” Over time, she has been
able to admit to others that her husband or her boys are Lutheran
instead of Catholic. This unit explores the issue of acceptance
of interchurch couples, what is often behind the lack of acceptance,
and strategies for dealing with lack of acceptance should it arise.
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