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Mr. Cissé (right) facilitated the debate (Photo: Honoré Koffi/US Embassy)

Muslim and Christian Communities in Yamoussoukro Discuss Interfaith Marriages

An American couple discussed some of the issues and realities of interfaith marriages with Muslims and Christians in Yamoussoukro, the Ivorian political capital. Gary and Clare Silverman, who were in Cote d’Ivoire visiting their daughter, the Cultural Affairs Officer at the American Embassy, shared their strategies and experiences in resolving issues of faith and family in a mixed-faith marriage. Gary is a Jewish and Clare is a Catholic.

Many of the program participants stated that though their religions did not expressly condemn interfaith unions, they felt it was something outside accepted practices, and they would be reluctant to enter into such a marriage. Nevertheless, several participants noted that the presentation had “made them think,” that the program challenged some of their long-held ideas, and that they would re-examine their views toward mixed-faith marriages and reactions to friends or family members who have married outside their faiths.