[kitkat]

***...and the line about orthodox Rabbis being hesitant to convert a non-Jewish spouse (not a girlfriend or boyfriend) is silly. i seriously doubt the legitimacy of this statement.***

I don't doubt that statement. I suspect, though I don't know for sure, that orthodox rabbis understand that a conversion only to please a spouse is not a true conversion, and that it can only lead to suppressed anger against the convert's spouse later. Again, I'm only guessing from what I know of other religions.

[APRPEH]

a Jew in a "marriage" with a non-Jew is in serious violation of Torah law. the non-Jew, often when this is explained to them in a clear, non-offensive way realizes the danger their spouse is in and comes to a reality that they themselves can make a difference. one must already have a sensitivity to religion in general to make that leap. but i have seen it. this same logic breaks up people when dating as well but should only be used by a competent Orthodox Rabbi who can explain the situation as to the children, afterlife, the mitzvahs, etc...

but once in the marriage, efforts should always be made.

[SJackson]

that orthodox rabbis understand that a conversion only to please a spouse is not a true conversion,

Not limited to Orthodox Rabbis. Raising the children as Jews would be a more important issue to the Reform movement. To what extent intermarriage exists in Orthodox/observant congregations/households I don't know. I would think it would be a virtually impossible living arrangement.