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NIMMA |
The Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association has been in existance for over 30 years.
"Supporting couples who are united in love across traditional Christian divisions and promoting acceptance of these relationships within Northern Ireland society"
Introducing NIMMA - the Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association |
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NIMMA exists for the mutual help and support of people involved in or embarking on mixed marriage in Northern Ireland. We offer support and information, through our activities, publications and directly if you contact us. Our address is:
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If you are wondering what a mixed marriage is, you can find an explanation here.The Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association, (NIMMA), was founded in 1974 as a result of a conference held at Corrymeela. It has spent the past 39 years providing country-wide support and information to couples either in or contemplating mixed marriage. In a society where sectarianism is institutionalised, NIMMA continues to lobby for the acceptance of mixed marriage, increased integrated education and wider availability of shared social housing. Much has changed since those early days and NIMMA has played a major role in influencing landmark changes in clerical attitudes and regulations toward mixed marriage to such an extent that it has never been easier to make a mixed marriage. NIMMA strives for changes to baptismal restrictions imposed by all the major denominations, for eucharistic sharing for interchurch couples, true reconciliation and a shared future for all.
On this site you can find out more about our publications including the recent "Mixed Emotions", the academic research study "Celebrating the Success, Evaluating the Impact" and the ever useful companion guide to "Mixed Marriage in Ireland", all of which are available through our office at the above address. You can also download leaflets on NIMMA, on Baptism and on Getting Married.
Future developments will include:
- The production and publication of a follow
up to its book ‘Mixed Emotions’ which featured real stories of mixed marriage. This
book will give the children of mixed marriages the chance to tell their stories - The production and distribution of a teachers’ resource pack to accompany‘Mixed Emotions’ and its inclusion on the Northern Ireland secondary level curriculum
- The instigation of research into mixed marriage and its potential impact on Northern Ireland’s health, education and political future.
NIMMA welcomes contributions by those who could help us take these important projects forward. Please contact us at 028 90235444 or by email.
Notice of Annual General Meeting |
The Annual General Meeting of the Northern Irteland Mixed Marriage Association is being held in Belfast on Saturday 13 April 2013. The AGM commences at 9.30 for 10.0 and will continue until around noon. Chairman's Report and Annual Accounts will be presented. For further details or if you wish to attend please contact our office at 28 Bedford Street, Belfast (028) 9023 5444.
Mixed Emotions |
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All love stories are unique and the ten accounts of mixed marriage told in the latest NIMMA publication, launched at the Long Gallery at Stormont on 29 February 2012, are no exception. Each story is shared in openness and with courage and their collective experience, stretching over seven decades, shows how society has changed and yet how it remains the same. Their experiences show how relationships can be made to blossom, even when it is made most difficult for those involved, and we can all learn from from their experience as they show us how in the face of adversity, we can aspire and achieve far beyond our common divisions. The publication was authored by Paul McLaughlin, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and supported through Volunteer Now. You can read Stephen and Sharon's story, as published in the Guardian, Love across the Divide. Ruth's story from "Mixed Emotions" is covered in an article entitled "My family and community would have nothing to do with me... because I married a Catholic" in the Belfast Telegraph here. NIMMA have plans to publish a further work exploring then experiences of children of mixed marriages. If you have a story to tell, please contact us. |
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Latest NIMMA news |
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How effective is NIMMA? |
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A report published by the Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association (NIMMA) stresses that, despite more than one in ten marriages now being mixed, there is still much to do to create greater awareness and acceptance of interchurch marriage.
The academic study of the work and impact of NIMMA represents the most recent
in-depth look at the area of mixed marriage, with all of its connotations for church practice, education, housing and tolerance, to have been undertaken in Ireland.
It is an accessible and valuable piece of social history which, while documenting the past, lays down guidelines for the future.
Copies of the report are now available from NIMMA at Bryson House, Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7FE or by e-mailing info@nimma.org.uk or telephoning Belfast 90 235444. Read more. |
Guide available from NIMMA |
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Our publication "Mixed Marriage in Ireland" is a useful companion guide for those involved in or about to be involved in a mixed marriage. It provides practical advice on preparing for a mixed marriage and on raising children in a mixed marriage. Many have found it provides useful information which clarifies an often confusing situation and helps couples decide what is best for them. You can obtain a copy by contacting us (a small charge is requested to cover costs) |
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Ways to support NIMMA |
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NIMMA is a registered charity and depends on volunteers, grant aid and donations. Most of our activities are carried out by our network of members, many of whom are in a mixed marriage and are willing to help others in similar situations. Our funding comes through a mix of grant aid, donations and project funding. Our main funding is through the Reconciliation Fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs. We also depend upon grant aid for specific projects, such as conferences or publications or research. Taking forawrd our development projects depend upon obtaining funding and support.. We also rely on donations and membership fees to raise the additional monies we need to maintain our services. If you have found the information on this website useful, or have been in contact with us to use our services, you may wish to help NIMMA continue to provide support to couples and families in mixed marriages. Donation can be sent to NIMMA at the following address: NIMMA, |