'No plans to convert': JD Vance clarifies on interfaith marriage stance

Washington: US Vice President JD Vance addressed criticism over his comments regarding his interfaith marriage to his Hindu wife, Usha, clarifying that while he hopes she may one day embrace his Christian faith, she has no plans to convert, and he respects her decision.

Responding to journalist Ezra Levant, who called his hope for her conversion "disgusting," Vance emphasised that their marriage is grounded in mutual respect, trust, and communication despite differing faiths. He credited Usha with encouraging him to reconnect with his Christian faith and affirmed that faith is a personal journey governed by free will.

Vance explained that the couple has mutually agreed to raise their three children in the Christian faith, a decision supported by Usha. He shared that most Sundays, Usha attends church with him, and the children attend Christian schools, with their eldest child having recently undergone First Communion.

While Vance openly expressed his desire for Usha to come to Christianity, he acknowledged that differences in belief do not cause discord in their marriage. His remarks received applause from the conservative audience at the Turning Point USA event in Mississippi, where he spoke.

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, described Usha’s background as Hindu but from a family not deeply religious in either direction, highlighting their balanced approach to managing an interfaith household.

With inputs from ANI