i want to ask about the human right to marry , and to divorce if he or she wants to. i know that there is no divorce in the chatholic church , and even if they seperate they can't marry another one , that is opposite to the human right to marry and divorce , i want to know the church response please. i need as much as possible informations cause i'm writing about this subject for graduation from the university, and i'll be thankfull .

-- tarek fuad feddah (silver.ag@usa.net), March 03, 2001

Answers

Yes there is what you call a "human right to marry". From the fact the God created them male and Female. Some do chose not to exercise that right and remain single. All others have that right to marry under the law of "one male and one Female, for life". Once established the spiritual bond of marriage cannot be broken by any human power for any reason. The physical bond can (divorce) but never the Spiritual bond, excpet by death.

-- Br. Rich SFO (repsfo@prodigy.net), March 03, 2001.

Dear Sir,
You can find the official Catholic Church teaching in this matter; online Cathechism websites exist. I'm sure one of the others in this forum can direct you to one.

Here is a personal insight: Marriage is a gift to man from God, as are all things which enrich the life of humankind. When you enter into the question of human rights, if you're a Christian, the first consideration is not ''How can I assert my rights?'' It is as Jesus Christ taught us to pray to the Almighty Father; ''Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.''

These aren't empty words. Faithful men and women arrange their private lives in the way most adaptable to God's Will. There always come times when God brings us trials and even great sacrifices. We can turn our backs on Him, follow our personal inclinations (whether by 'human right' or caprice or sheer selfishness).

Of course many fine, intelligent and responsible people pass from one marriage to another. Many do it from every apparent justifiable motive. They take their serious and sincere marriage vows, and simply break them.

In effect, they break a solemn contract with Almighty God. He who is eternally true to His Word, is told ''Forget those vows, Father. My rights are just as important as the promises I made You.''

That is the greatest offense caused by divorce. An offence against God.

May I ask you, Tarek-- Can one who TRULY believes in God, who knows that God is vigilant and knows all things, even the human heart; can a person of TRUE FAITH, disregard a vow he makes before God at the Holy Altar? You may laugh at Catholics, or pay them no attention; but take at least one word from me seriously, this time. God expects a man and wife to take the vows of holy Matrimony as binding for life. Once He has taken our word, our promise-- that takes precedence over all rights or priveleges. When a man (or woman) breaks these vows, and remarries, whether one more or ten more times, it offends God! It is a serious sin, and God has promised the sinner solemnly in the Old Testament, ''I will make him lie down in sorrow.''

The exception is of course the lawful decree of annulity; for legal separation. Also, the unwilling partner of a civil divorce is not breaking his/her vows as long as there is no remarriage. Think about these things, Tarek.

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), March 03, 2001.

Hi. It seems to me that Tarek is asking a simple question. He deserves a simple answer, with no defensive overtones. He has made no mention of whether or not he is a believer, or even if he is Christian. Unless he feels fit to tell us, it is none of our business.

Sometimes people come here for plain objective information. It is unfair to assume anything other than this from Tarek's request. This may well be an ordinary academic matter, for which he needs ordinary information. This IS what he says! What reason do we have to mistrust him?

This place definitely needs to lighten up.

And they say WOMEN are emotional!

Jane

-- jane (janeulrich80@hotmail.com), March 03, 2001.

I agree with Jane.

Short answer: nobody has a "right" to divorce. if america says you do, then america is wrong.

I would have to say you don't have a "right" to marry, either (depending on what your definition of "right" is). The way I'm reading it, you mean that someone can "demand" marriage in their life (like they can "demand" free speech) - something everyone should be able to have, and this is not the case.

......................................

-- anthony (fides_spes_et_caritas@hotmail.com), March 03, 2001.

Dear Jane:
Does this mean anything to you:

Church response please. i need as much as possible informations cause i'm writing about this subject

+

(? ? ?) If you don't feel the answer was ''lightened up'' enough, just give your own answer. Others are not emotional or defensive. Tarek was requesting the very viewpoint we gave him. Sorry if it doesn't match yours.

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), March 04, 2001.

I would like those who argue that there exists a human right to divorce to quote their sources. In fact there will be none because although there exists the right to marry and to have a family life, the right to divorce will not be found in any international charter for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Not even in the UN Declaration of 1950 to which even the USA is bound will one find such a right in existence. Just because a country may permit divorce legally does not amount to a person enjoying a right to divorce. This has been repeatedly by the European Court of Human Rights, especially in the case of Ireland.

-- James D'Agostino (dago_07@yahoo.com), January 20, 2003.