Author name: mikeghouse

In a world that is more connected than ever, cultural, religious, and personal expressions often stand side by side. Yet, prejudice and ignorance persist, sometimes subtly and other times overtly, in daily interactions. This was the case when I sat in the Detroit Airport, preparing to officiate my 462nd wedding in Troy, Michigan. Across from […]

Introduction: America’s Global InfluenceAmerica’s impact on the world is undeniable, from groundbreaking medical advancements to technological innovations that shape everyday life. For decades, the United States has been viewed as a model for various aspects of society—whether it be through its contributions to medicine, culture, technology, or now, its stance on pluralism. Pluralism, in this

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)