If your husband-to-be is not baptized and wants to get married in a church but refuses to be baptized before the wedding, it can be a challenging situation. Here are some steps you could consider taking:
Open Communication: Have an open and honest conversation with your partner about the importance of baptism to you and why it matters for the wedding to take place in a church. Understanding each other's perspectives can help in finding a resolution.
Seek Pastoral Counseling: Consider seeking guidance from a religious leader or pastoral counselor who can help both of you explore the significance of baptism and the wedding ceremony in your faith. They may provide insights or solutions to address your concerns.
Compromise: If your partner is not willing to be baptized, you might explore a compromise that respects both of your beliefs and values. For example, you could have a non-religious wedding ceremony followed by a religious blessing or celebration at a later date.
Reflect on Your Priorities: Take some time to reflect on your own priorities and the significance of baptism in your faith. Consider what it means for your relationship with your partner and whether it's a non-negotiable requirement for you.
Involve Family and Friends: Engage with supportive family members and friends who can offer advice or support during this decision-making process.
Respect Individual Beliefs: Ultimately, both partners should respect each other's beliefs and choices. Pressuring or forcing someone to undergo a religious ritual goes against the spirit of faith and personal conviction.
Explore Alternative Venues: If a church wedding is essential to you, but your partner is not willing to be baptized, you could consider alternative wedding venues that hold significance for both of you.
It's important to remember that marriage is a partnership built on love, understanding, and compromise. Both partners should be willing to make concessions and find common ground in navigating religious and cultural differences. If you find that you're unable to reach an agreement, seeking professional counseling may be beneficial to help you work through your concerns and find a path forward together.