Inside an Interfaith Relationship

Carly Farrell 

Interview questions

- Profile of the person –

o Name: Lauren Farrell (Carly Farrell’s Older Sister)
o Age – 23
o Married, single, in a relationship – In a Relationship (4 Years)
o What religion do they identify as – Roman Catholic

Inside an interfaith relationship

- When did you religious difference surface? – “Within the first year of dating Mike I became aware of his religious views.  He refers to himself as an atheist but I consider him more of an agnostic. Initially when I found out that Mike was a self proclaimed atheist, I was very curious of his thoughts and what views he had but the thought of long term was something that I questioned but never gave me too much concern.”

- How important are your different religions? – “Right now at this point in my life it is not a huge factor in our relationship but if the relationship were to involve into marriage or escalate to more of a serious and permanent relationship our religions may become somewhat of an issue. We are both still very independent and we respect that we have different religious views but if we were to marry then I would hope that we keep that respect and that he will be able to be on the same page and have the same understandings.”

- How important is your own religion? –“Very important, I rely on my religion. In every aspect of my life, my faith plays some type of role whether it relates to my family, friends, job or emotional stability”

- Would you every consider converting for a significant other? –“Never. It is all I know and certain aspects of Roman Catholicism are so important to me that I would not be able to convert or change my views to fit that relationship mentally, physically and emotionally. “

- What do you parents think? – “My parents would be supportive of any relationship that makes me happy. They would just hope that I stay faithful to my religion even with a conflicting view in the relationship. My mom expects that I would always stay faithful to my religion and would be affected by the relationship more than my father. My father would be a little more understanding and open with the union. My mother would present some resistance toward a relationship that entails religious conflictions but ultimately she would be supportive of what I want and would never abolish anything. “