Question: why do catholics insist you become one before marrying? 

Answer: I don't know where you got this information, but it is NOT TRUE>\n\nConverting is NOT a requirement, and NEVER has been!\n\nNow, 40 years ago, you would get married in the rectory, or in a vows- only ceremony if one party wasn't catholic.\n\nI married a Presbyterian in 1985. We had a full Nuptial Mass- which is a thing of absolute beauty and holiness, by the way. He converted in 1996 by his own decision...in fact, I told him I didn't WANT him to convert, because I knew he didn't believe everything....but Grace has its way, and he is a faithful Catholic now.\n\nThe only 'conditions' for a Catholic to marry a non- Catholic are:\n1. The non Catholic must agree not to hinder the Catholic spouses practice of the faith.\n\n2. The CATHOLIC must sign a statement that children of the union will e raised in the faith.\n\n3. the NON CATHOLIC must acknowledge that the Catholic signed the satement in #2, and they understand it.\n\n4. The couple must be marries by a priest or deacon in a Catholic Church unless permission is obtained to do otherwise.\n\nIt really is quite fair.
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