Faithful witness and firm friendship in Ascot

Beginning this issue, readers recall unusual events or encounters that have affected their journey in faith. If you have a story you would like to share, email us.

I recently conducted the marriage of my youngest daughter in our parish church in South Ascot.

What made the occasion particularly special was that she married a Hindu man. We had a very colourful congregation, with a number of ladies in beautiful saris. The bridegroom’s family and friends said how much they enjoyed the Christian service. They felt that we expressed the same things that they did, but in a different way.

To be able to be married within the religious ceremony of a Church of England wedding meant a great deal to them.

We then went on to have a Hindu ceremony, which our Christian friends thoroughly appreciated.

The service was led by two pandits. One chanted the Sanskrit while the other gave a measured and beautiful interpretation and explanation. As families of the bride and groom we were very much involved in this ritual, Indeed, it could be said that this part of the day was about family, and bringing people together.
As parents of the bride, my wife and I played a significant part. The couple had to make promises similar to those made in Church. But more was also said about the lifestyle expected of them as a married couple.

It was very moving for us to see the young couple leading each other around a fire to symbolise their life together.

Outward symbolic actions do have profound and lasting meaning.
We also enjoyed the next part of the day - the splendid Indian food and joyful celebration.

I feel that the Christian and Hindu ceremonies complemented each other and there was a great sense of togetherness for people of both faiths and none, in marking and celebrating the marriage of my daughter and her husband.
The only sadness came from other guests who had been refused the ministry of their church when they had made ‘mixed marriages’. They had been hurt that they had been denied the opportunity to both witness fully to their faith.
One woman had been told that the husband must convert before the Church would do anything for them. Another had been offered a blessing ‘but no more’.
It seems strange to me that clergy will conduct marriages for non-believers, but refuse a proper ministry to those who take faith seriously.

The Oxford Diocesan Committee for Interfaith Concerns advocates faithful witness and firm friendship. At my daughter’s wedding we were able, in the Christian service, to witness faithfully to Christ. Through the Hindu celebration we established some firm and lasting friendships.

The Revd Sebastian Jones is the vicar of  All Souls Church in South Ascot.