Saffron Cross

A Christian minister and a Hindu monk fall in love and get married. How does this interfaith relationship work?

Saffron Cross is the intriguing memoir of the relationship between Dana, a Baptist minister, and Fred, a devout Hindu and former monk. The two meet on eHarmony and begin a fascinating, sometimes daunting but ultimately inspiring journey of interfaith relationship and marriage.

Dana's compelling vignettes, laced with self-deprecating humor and refreshing honesty, give you a glimpse into the challenges and benefits of bringing together two vastly different spiritual paths into one household.

Saffron Cross includes chapters on Dana and Fred's honeymoon at an ashram in India, their individual spiritual journeys, Sabbath keeping, vegetarianism, grief, community, and more. You will sense what an adventure their East-meets-West partnership has been, and you'll also see how much Fred's commitment to his faith has enhanced Dana's Christian growth.

At a time when people are inundated with messages of intolerance and hate, Saffron Cross is a welcome and inspiring story of empathy, love, and understanding.

J. Dana Trent is a freelance writer, nonprofit consultant, and adjunct faculty member in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. An ordained Baptist minister, she holds a master of divinity degree from Duke Divinity School. She credits her husband's (Fred's) deep spiritual practice, fervent scripture study, and thirst for God with helping her cultivate a deeper walk in her Christian journey.