What is the catholics' view on the issue of divorce? any ifo would be greatful.

-- Rhiannon Downie (annon23@hotmail.com), February 21, 2001

Answers

Divorce is sometimes necessary for safety reasons. However it represents the failure of a relationship. Another Marriage is never allowed after divorce (based in the Scriptures) if the Marriage was valid until the death of one of the people. (That death can not be caused by the other)

-- Br. Rich SFO (repsfo@prodigy.net), February 22, 2001.

The Catholic view on divorce is that it is a civil proceding, which therefore cannot have any effect on a sacramental marriage, which is work of God. Catholics who go through a civil divorce do not lose their standing in the Church - precisely because the divorce changes nothing. They can still participate fully in the life of the Church, including reception of the sacraments. However, they are still married in the eyes of the Church, which of course is the reason they cannot marry someone else. Separation may be necessary for safety reasons, but that is much different from divorce. A vaild sacramental marriage cannot be ended in any way except the death of one of the spouses. The solemn vows taken in the presence of the Church, state "until death do us part", and the Church takes those vows very seriously. So should people who are marrying.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), February 28, 2003.