INTERFAITH CEREMONIES FOR All RITES OF PASSAGE

This Interfaith Ministry affirms that there is one God and that the path home to our Source may take many forms. Interfaith walks among all religions and the interfaith minister is an ambassador who is able to build bridges between different faiths, cultures and races by creating ceremonies that reflect the beauty of diversity.

The following interfaith services that celebrate life's major rites of passage are available:

Celebrations:

• Weddings
• Naming Ceremonies
• Vow Renewal and Divorce Ceremonies

• Funerals
• Pet Transitions
• Memorial Services

Rituals and Rites of Passage:

• Career Changes
• Relationship Ending and Beginnings
• Divorce
• Illness
• Coming Out

Weddings:

Two such as you with such a master speed
Cannot be parted nor be swept away
From one another once you are agreed
That life is only life forevermore
Together wing to wing and oar to oar.
Robert Frost


Sathya Sai Baba said that "There is only one caste; the caste of humanity. There is only one religion, the religion of love. There is only one language, the language of the heart." This wisdom is the foundation of the interfaith marriage ceremony.

In the interfaith wedding ceremony, respecting the unique characteristics of the cultures and religions of the two people about to be joined in matrimony is of paramount concern. And reflecting these elements in a ceremony that will please all involved is the primary task. Often, an interfaith wedding ceremony is the only solution to the biases of the families involved in this most important rite of passage. The Interfaith Minister's role is to balance out the differences that may arise during the planning of the ceremony, and to present in a non-judgemental and sensitive way the many options available to the couple about to be married.

Interfaith wedding ceremonies draw on the customs and traditions of the faiths of each of the partners wishing to be joined in holy matrimony, weaving them into a beautiful kaleidoscope of universal elements. God is acknowledged in a universal way and the diverse traditions are connected by our common spirituality. Spirituality connects all faiths.

Working with the 14 major religions - Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Native American Spirituality, Shinto, Sikhism, Sufism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism - and drawing on the wedding customs of 47 different cultures from around the world, Reverend Barbara creates loving, intimate, unforgettable ceremonies.

The interfaith marriage ceremony, however, is not limited to interfaith, interracial and intercultural couples. It is also an excellent alternative for humanist, agnostic and atheist couples. The interfaith marriage offers more 'heart' and intimacy than a civil ceremony which for the most part lacks warmth and personal meaning. It is also a comfortable venue for same sex marriages and an option for heterosexual couples who desire creative, innovative ceremonies which the orthodox religious places of worship do not offer.

Blessings for your special day.

For bookings please call (613) 248-9885

See my listing on www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com

For additional information contact us at info@asabovesobelow.org or by calling (613) 248-9885.