Q: My girlfriend is Lutheran and I am a devoted Catholic. Am I able to go to her service every so often to be a good boyfriend? We are trying to keep God at the center of our relationship. – David

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: It’s admirable that you and your friend want to keep God at the center of your relationship. That shows that your priorities are in the right place.

Your specific question touches on various considerations.

While Catholics aren’t strictly banned from attending a Protestant service, these services do not fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation.

Long-term factors are worth keeping in mind, too.

Protestant sermons will, by nature, expound views that won’t always be compatible with Catholic teaching.

Lutherans and Catholics don’t see eye-to-eye on certain issues, such as the papacy and the fact that Jesus established seven sacraments.

Exposure to such views could weaken your faith over time if you aren’t careful.

Another factor is the matter of precedent. Would attending Protestant services become a permanent part of your life if you married this woman?

Moreover, will your friend be attending Mass with you? Or is this a one-way street?

Another point to consider is marriage itself. The Church doesn’t encourage mixed marriages, based on its long pastoral experience.

Differences in religion can cause deep tensions later in a marriage. The temptation then arises to put religion on a back burner to “keep the peace” (see Catechism, nos. 1633-1637).

Also, your attending Catholic Masses and Protestant services could send confusing signals to your children. They might grow up thinking that one religion is as good as another, which isn’t true.

The above points are worth keeping in mind … especially for the sake of future children.