Stemming Interfaith Marriages in Remera Church, East Central Rwanda Conference

Abstract

Marriage influences various dimensions of living, including physical, mental, health, economics, well-being, happiness in the home and future of children. Therefore, it must carefully arranged in order to maximize its good. However, the mixing marriage of today is an obstacle to the blissful pleasure of the family. The young people of Remera Church in East Central Rwanda Conference are among people involved in interfaith marriage. As a result, some members leave the church and others lack the partners. Marital conflicts come as a result of interfaith marriage and the children suffer the consequences. The impact of wrong choices in this affects the earthly life and could be the origin of loss of eternal life. This study intended to give a guideline that would change the behaviors of the young people of Remera Church and of entire churches in Rwanda in the matter of marriage. The Bible teachings and principles from the writings of Ellen G White must be the guide during this critical time when marital choices are made. Through the process of interviews with young people of Remera Church, Adventist spouses of interfaith families, some church elders of Remera and some pastors of East Central Rwanda Conference the researcher was able to find out the causes and consequences of interfaith marriage. Financial factors are the major cause of interfaith unions, but the external attraction is another factor. Additionally, the misconduct of some Adventist young women is still another reason. Insufficient knowledge of Biblical principles governing people during the choice of a partner causes the young people to exchange their eternal life for worldly pleasure. The young people of Remera Church need more education on Biblical principles that guide the Christians in the time of dating. Church elders and other leaders of the church are required to provide more effort to guide the young people in the way of the Bible. Marriage is a tool of union between families and is a symbol of relationship Christ has with His church. He wants His church to always be holy; in return for Christ to be the leader of the house, the married must fulfill the holiness of faith. Young people are an important asset that the church needs to care for, so the family education must be supported from all levels of the church to sustain them. Likewise, further research is needed to find out in a broader perspective the reason of interfaith marriage.