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Guide for Ministers
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- 10.1 Ecumenism
- 10.1.1 Ecumenical events
- 10.1.1.1 Ecumenism: Divine services and acts of blessing
- 10.1.1.2 Ecumenism: Special congregational events
- 10.1.1.3 Ecumenism: Weddings
- 10.1.1.4 Ecumenism: Holy Baptism with water
- 10.1.1.5 Ecumenism: Funerals
- 10.1.1.6 Other ecumenical events
- 10.1.1.7 Church exhibitions and conventions
- 10.1.2 Use of Church premises - for church use
- 10.2 Interreligious dialogue
- 10.2.1 Participation in divine services
- 10.2.2 Involvement of non-Christian clergy in wedding ceremonies
- 10.2.3 Interreligious dialogue: Involvement of non-Christian clergy in funerals
- 10.2.4 Participation in devotionals
- 10.2.5 Use of Church premises - other use
10.2.2 Involvement of non-Christian clergy in wedding ceremonies
The dispensation of a wedding blessing is possible even if one of the parties involved is a non-Christian.[87] A wedding blessing in our Church is dispensed in the name of the triune God. Abstaining from such reference to the Trinity in such a blessing out of consideration for the non-Christian clergy member or partner in marriage is not possible, because belief in the triune God is among the fundamental professions of the Christian faith.
It is not permissible for non-Christian clergy to be actively involved in sacramental acts or acts of blessing in the New Apostolic Church. Nevertheless, it is possible for non-Christian clergy to convey a greeting or message of congratulation outside of the divine service, that is to say, after the final benediction. This regulation and the reasoning behind it must be expressly pointed out to Jewish or Muslim clergy in a conversation that should take place well in advance.