I agree with everything so far on this thread. The Bible never condemns interracial marriages and makes it clear that we are all one race. Mixed marriages should be welcomed and celebrated in our society.
However, that being said, I think we need to be very careful about this because of cultural differences. Making a marriage work is difficult enough when you share the same culture and background. When the bride and groom are from different cultures it can become difficult, especially if one or both sets of parents disapprove. The Bible does condemn unions of believers and non believers. Pastor Kevin, your wife sounds great and I am sure your children will grow up with an appreciation of their diversity, but in all mixed marriages this is not the case.
This does not apply to black and white couples only. I know of several couples of mixed native American and Caucasian ancestory. This can be difficult, especially with native American relatives who live on Indian land and are trying to protect the purity of the tribe. Marrying outside the tribe can be a huge deal. One couple very close to me failed in exactly these circumstances. The bride's family resented her marrying a white man and did everything they could to destroy the marriage. Ultimately the couple divorced.
This same principle would apply to any marriage of mixed cultures (even Yankees and southerners). The Bible does not prohibit it, but you better be sure this is the girl/guy the Lord has for you, and you better be prepared for the cultural differences that will occur.
In many cases it is the Lord's will that you marry someone of another culture. I know a former American airman who married a Thai girl. They are now missionaries to Thailand. Another friend of mine married a Filipino girl while stationed there with the navy. They have a wonderful home and vacation with her family in the Philippines every year. Mixed marriages can be great, but you better be sure it is part of God's will because there will be difficulties as well as blessings.
