Author name: mikeghouse

1. Introduction My recent week-long visit to Spain was a blend of officiating weddings and absorbing the rich culture of cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Córdoba. Over the last 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of officiating over 400 weddings in more than 50 cities across America and in countries such as the UK, France, […]

Introduction The story of my life is one that highlights the immense beauty and joy derived from embracing diversity. From growing up in a diverse environment to working with people from various cultural and religious backgrounds, my journey has been enriched by connections with individuals from all walks of life. This narrative is a testament

Introduction Attending and officiating weddings from diverse cultures and religions has been a fulfilling journey for me. Each ceremony carries its unique essence, yet the underlying theme of love and unity remains constant. My recent experience at a Bahai-Muslim wedding was no exception. It was my first Bahai-Muslim wedding and my seventh Persian wedding. This

Introduction Interfaith and interracial weddings symbolize the beauty of love transcending boundaries. They bring together diverse cultures, religions, and traditions, creating a unique tapestry of unity and celebration. This article delves into the challenges and joys of organizing such weddings, especially among Desi, Asian, and African communities, and highlights the evolving landscape of love beyond

I just signed a release letter to post a picture of a wedding I officiated at in Disney World. I can’t believe this; it reminds me of another opportunity. The last two items in the video – the fireworks and the carriage are from that wedding.https://interfaithmarriages.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/interfaith-banner.mp4 In Dallas, I had a radio show that ran

Our kids have no filters. They go to school or work and meet someone and they find themselves to be compatible, and over some time, they fall in love and the next thing they want to do is get married. Our founding father’s dreams are being realized, most certainly, Rev. Martin Luther King’s dream to

I routinely talk with the parents of the bride and the groom, over 500 such calls to bring everyone on the same page, it is not easy. Cultural translation is difficult. I officiated a wedding in Los Angeles, the father of the Hindu bride skipped the wedding because I was going to recite in Arabic

Islam, a belief system, was designed to foster inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, faith, or culture, could feel secure and at peace. When people embraced this system, they were not required to alter their names, dress, food, or any other cultural practices, emphasizing the inclusivity of Islam. The fundamental beliefs are: 1)

Interfaith marriages are gaining ground and the one verse that is constantly discussed is verse 2:221 from Sura Baqarah in the Quran. Some among us are tied to a point of view expressed by scholars from earlier period of Islam, and some understand it as it applies to them in the timeless Quranic point of

Citation verse 10 of Surah Al-Mumtahinah (60). Interfaith Marriages generate a lot of questions, particularly among Muslims. Questions like “Can a Muslim woman marry a non-Muslim?” “Is it Haram to marry outside Abrahamic faiths?” “Should one convert to another’s religion? “Do Hindus believe in one God?” “Do Sikhs worship Idols?” A plethora of inquiries come