Inviting people of other religions to religious celebrations

[QuintessentialOHara]

Ds2s First Holy Communion is up.

Among our close friends are Catholics, Protestants, and our best friends among our neighbours are also Atheists and Jews.

Would you invite these? Or just give them an informal "pop in for coffee and cake later, we are celebrating First Holy Communion" ?

[Annunziata]

In our parish there is just no room for all the families to invite their friends to the Mass, so I would invite friends (no matter their religion!) just to the house or to the restaurant afterwards.

[wigglesrock]

If they're close enough friends that you want them there and there's enough room in the chapel invite them. We have . dd1 is making hers next Saturday and our best friend who is an atheist is coming to both the chapel and the do afterwards.

[IndigoBarbie]

I'd invite them. Friends who are not of the same religion will still respect your beliefs.

[susiey]

Invite them I would be glad to receive an invite to the equivalent event for them! They can always decline if they feel uncomfy being in the church and just come to the party!

[AMumInScotland]

I'd invite them but make it clear they are welcome to come along to the coffee etc whether or not they choose to come to the church - people vary in whether they'll sit through a religious service or would feel uncomfortable/hypocritical about it, and some people would feel awkward about coming to the "party" if you don't make it clear you'd be happy about that.

[fubbsy]

I am Jewish and felt honoured to be invited to friends' dd's first communion. We have also invited non-Jewish friends to dd's bat mitzvah.

IMO if they really are your close friends, you will know about and respect each other's beliefs and practices.

[sashh]

It can be useful to have someone to explain things to your friends, what can be expected and what they don't need to do.

Otherwise you might get a someone receiving holy communion who shouldn't.

[Eschra]

Why not as long as your local Parish and Minister are happy what is the issue, just make it clear that you understand if they don't wish to.

We've been invited to our best friend's child's ones. We're both practicing pagans and my husband was the elder child's godparent despite them being RC. Their church are very open, friendly and welcoming to other religions/aetheists.