What is an Interfaith Minister?
 An Interfaith Minister is an ordained, self-employed and
non-denominational Minister who has undertaken an intensive two year training in Ministry and Spiritual
Counselling with the Interfaith Foundation. The core belief of the Foundation is “Many ways, One Truth”
meaning that there is one God/Truth with many wonderful and sacred paths leading to the Source of All. At the
heart is Love, which is the central focus of all faiths and traditions. Interfaith does not rival traditional
religions but serves as an inclusive spiritual addition.
What does
this mean for my wedding ceremony?
The beauty of an Interfaith wedding ceremony is that it can include anything your heart desires and be held at a
venue to suit your needs. Recent requests have included a Stone Circle in Cumbria, a beach in Cornwall and the
gardens of a Stately home. Everything is possible and nothing is essential or prescribed. The
Service will include the elements that are right for you and your partner and which reflect your respective beliefs
or none. If for example, you are drawn to the Native American tradition, your Service can be created to
reflect that. If you are marrying someone with different beliefs to you or from a different religious
background, the Service can incorporate elements from both. The key is respect and flexibility.
What are the
legal requirements?
For an Interfaith ceremony, UK law still currently requires that you make your legal commitment with a
Registrar. (This is not the case in Scotland where an Interfaith Minister is licensed to conduct all
aspects). However, many venues are registered for weddings, to which the Registrar will come. The key
aspect, whether in a Registry office or an external venue with a visiting Registrar, is to save your vows and the
exchanging of rings to be part of your specially created ceremony in the presence of family and
friends. It is perfectly possible to complete the legal side of the proceedings several days or even
weeks before your “big day”.
Who creates
the ceremony?
This is co-created by the couple with as much or as little guidance and input from the Minister as
required. Initial discussions will determine the real essence of what you want to share with each other
in your vows and the intentions for your life together. Often the Minister will ask you individually to consider a
range of questions such as “what attracted you to each other when you first met?”, “what is it that you really love
and appreciate about the other?”, “what are your spiritual beliefs, and how would you like those to be reflected in
the ceremony?” Answering these questions forms the basis for a truly beautiful, personal and meaningful
ceremony that deepens your love and your relationship as you start the next phase of your lives
together.
As your Interfaith Minister, I can offer a range of suggestions for structure,music,
readings and vows and will be honoured to conduct your ceremony on the day.
For an initial no obligation chat about your needs contact me at:
Email: akasha@simplydivineceremonies.com
Phone: + 44 (0) 1249 813188
Mobile: + 44 (0) 7836 796215
I am based in Calne, Wiltshire, UK
Full information on the Seminary and Interfaith Ministry Training can be found at
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