For many couples, interfaith marriages do not come with the harsh consequences of years past.

"For the generation married 30 and 40 years ago, it was beginning to be accepted" in faith and family circles, said Gary Augustin, an ordained Protestant minister married to a Roman Catholic woman.

"In marriages of 50 years ago, people were kicked out of their families," even in cases in which newlyweds were of the same faith but different denominations, Augustin said.

Augustin will be among the speakers addressing interfaith marriage issues — past and present — at "Matters of the Heart," a free workshop set for 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at Temple Emanu-El, 2550 Pali Highway, and Mililani Hongwanji, 95-257 Käloapau St. in Mililani, respectively.

The workshops will feature presentations by leaders representing Jewish, Christian, Buddhist and Muslim faiths as well as counselors representing the Counseling & Spiritual Care Center of Hawai'i. The interfaith and multicultural counseling center offers a combination of behavioral sciences and religious beliefs.

Various clergy members will share what their religious traditions expect of interfaith marriages. Also, interfaith couples will discuss their own challenges on matters ranging from observing religious holidays to raising children.

For more information about services offered at the CSCCH, call 545-2740 or visit www.cscch.org.