​ Kuya Paolo is 21 years old, and his 19-year-old girlfriend, Ate Cita, decided to get married right after they graduated from college. He is a solid Catholic- baptized as a Roman Catholic and raised as a member of the Catholic Church. Cita belongs to the Born-Again Christian community.

​ Where and how they were going to get married and who would officiate the ceremony were among the concerns that needed to be discussed and resolved by both families.

The family of Cita were all baptized into the Born-Again community 13 years ago. Her parents would like to have their wedding officiated by a Born- Again lay minister at their reception hall or in a restaurant.

​MIXED MARRIAGE

On the other hand, Paolo's parents would like to hold the wedding in a Catholic church to be officiated by a Catholic priest. The other option is to have a civil wedding instead and no church wedding. But then, the parents of both parties would like to have their marriage blessed by the church.

What are they going to do? The family decided to respect each other's faith by holding two weddings on the same day. The first one will be held in a Catholic church. It would be followed by another wedding in a restaurant to be officiated by a Born-Again minister, Reception follows after the ceremony in the same venue,

​ Everyone finally agreed to this arrangement and they all went home happy.

​Answer the following questions.

​1. What is Paolo's religion?

​2. In Paolo's religion, Who officiates the wedding ceremonies?

​3. What is Cita's religion?

​4. In Cita's religion, Who officiates the wedding ceremonies?

​5. How did they settle their differences amicably?

​ Respect is the acknowledgment that a person has value and is important. Accordingly respect for others means giving and showing that others' views, beliefs, and preferences are equally important as your own. Respect for others will include respect for their personalities, opinions, beliefs, feelings, and preferences.

​ The most common difference that affects people's world views, and opinions is religion or faith. It is important that we learn to respect other people's faith, beliefs, and practices. Learning more about other people's faith helps us understand, appreciate, and respect their religion and beliefs. We should strive to accommodate rather than question other people's beliefs and practices. This widens our understanding of the world.

​ Respect is the foundation of very good and lasting relationship. We may disagree but we need not be disagreeable. When we demonstrate respect for others, it shows our good character and breeding. We, therefore, earn other's respect in return. When we earn the respect of people, we also gain their trust and friendship. Respect for others is demonstrated by honoring them and giving them consideration.

Here are some ways that can show respect to others.

1. Being attentive to what others are saying and making eye contact, also responding at appropriate times show that you are listening

2. Being fair and not making judgments about other person's view and beliefs

3 Not interrupting or cutting in when another person is speaking

4. Being sensitive to other peoples thoughts and feelings

5. Saying polite words like "Please," "Thank you," and "Excuse me"

​Always Sometimes Never

​ 3 2 1

​Rate yourself on indicators of respect for others' faith and beliefs. Write 3 if always, 2 if sometimes, 1 for never.

1. I understand that differences in beliefs is natural.

2. I accept that people practicing a different faith have an equally valid perspective and set if beliefs.

3. ​I take time to learn about other religions.

4. ​I observe the rituals of another religion with respect.

5. I look for similarities rather than differences in religious practices and beliefs.