Dear Anthony:

The passage you are referring to is 2 Corinthians 6:14.

(KJV)  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

(RSV-CE) Do not be mismated with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

In this passage, St. Paul, is teaching the Corinthians to avoid relationships with pagans that are such that their faith is at risk. St. Paul also mentioned this to them in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 10:14-33.

The reason that St. Paul brings up this question again here is likely that he thought the Corinthians were putting their faith at risk by too close a relations with the pagans.

While Christians are not to avoid unbelievers completely (otherwise how could be evangelize them?) we are be circumspect with our relationships as to avoid our faith coming under risk.

As for marriage, the Church does not encourage Catholics to marry non-Catholics and even moreso to not marry non-Christians. There are inevitable problems in such mixed marriages especially if both partners are devout to their respective faiths/philosophies. Besides, how can the children truly be taught and grounded in the Catholic faith if one of the parents, who is suppose to teach and model the Catholic faith, is not Catholic.

Unfortunately, due to our times, not unlike the time of Moses when he allowed certain practices because of the "hardness of the heart" of the people, the Church has found it pastorally prudent in many instances to give permission for Catholics to marry non-Catholics. The bishop must give this permission.

But, wisdom suggests that we not marry outside of our faith, and even then, only to another devout Catholic.

Marriage involves the consent of the couple to marry each other. Whether or not the parents approve of the marriage does not matter technically. Obviously, it is best for family members be supportive of the marriage, but their support is not required for a valid marriage.

There can be concerns about ancestry. If family members or ancestors have a history of occult involvement this can perhaps be an added problem that could theoretically harass a marriage. These factors can, however, be dealt with by prayer, living the good and devout Catholic life, and perhaps spiritual warfare prayers when needed. I certainly recommend to all Christians the Prayer to Renounce Ancestral Sins since none of us can know what ancestors may have done.

Ultimately you have to make your decisions on what you want in a wife. When marrying a person, we automatically bring into our lives the in-laws. Many cultures have various customs and rituals of courtship and engagement, but in terms of valid marriage, the ultimate decision is born on on the couple alone.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary