Strengths and Strategies in Interfaith Marriages

Abstract

Despite the rising number of interfaith relationships, few empirical studies have explored the strengths of interfaith couples living in the United States who are striving to integrate separate religious beliefs. This study examined the strengths of interfaith marriages by conducting a qualitative analysis of 32 religiously diverse interfaith couples’ (N = 63 participants) reports of strengths that resulted from their relationships. We found five core themes that couples identified as strengths of being in an interfaith relationship: (a) increased acceptance and tolerance, (b) opportunities for exploration, learning, and discovery, (c) an increased ability to find and build upon similarities, (d) more traditions and practices, and (e) strengthened personal faith. The authors promote a balanced awareness of both strengths and vulnerabilities that recur in interfaith families.