One of the greatest challenges a couple have to face is when partners are from different religions.

Each partner may come to the marriage full of hope that "we can work it out" - and many do. But it takes a lot of work - as well as patience, understanding and tolerance.

Most people parent the way they were parented and if you regard daily family prayers as normal and your spouse never heard a religious word in his home, you have a lot of ground to cover before you reach a compromise. Many people say that religion is not important to them, their love is. But even for non-believers, there are little traditions that the spouse of another faith needs to accept with love.

Some ideas
If you and your partner are considering an interfaith marriage, here`s what you should know (extracted and adapted from the About.com website):

• Do your homework. Learn as much as you can about your partner`s religion, its customs and beliefs. Both partners need information on their own faith and that of the other.
• Be clear at the outset that you will not try and manipulate or coerce your partner into converting to your faith. If he does so of his own free will - that` fine. But battles and tantrums over his refusal to join your church will simply create a gulf between you.
• Distinguish between religious and cultural issues. Some observances are cultural traditions and may not have spiritual foundations. Make them part of your home.
• Make allowances for the fact that conditioning from his childhood will impact on his adult life. As he adjusts to new traditions and observances in your home, he may want to return to the familiar rituals of his own upbringing.
• Before marriage, discuss how your children will be brought up with regard to religion. Often, however, the birth of a child brings unexpected feelings to the surface. Most people want their children brought up in their traditions - baptism, barmitzvah etc. And when the passions of parenthood are aroused, it can be difficult to find middle ground. Ideally, children should be brought up to understand and value the faiths of both parents.
• Look upon your mixed faith marriage as added value. You have the chance of getting to know another faith first hand and intimately. What a bonus!
• Be firm about extended family interference. Make it clear that you plan to observe your spouse`s religious traditions and that both religions will be given equal respect in your home. When religious traditions clash time-wise (like Eid and Easter occasionally do), you need to sit down with your spouse and work out a fair arrangement to all, perhaps joining your extended family on alternate years.
• If you struggle to understand your spouse`s beliefs and traditions, don`t be critical. Accept that he comes from a different place and that you may never completely understand them.

  Many people of different faiths have had successful marriages - all it takes is understanding, tolerance and a will to embrace another`s beliefs with love.

  Article source: LifeWorld