Hello! My anut was excommunicated years ago due to a divorce. Her husband was an adulterer and abused her. In order to protect her 4 children and herself, she left him. I believe back in history(1960's), one was excommunicated due to divorce, under these circumstances. I believe the church has changed the stance on divorce and are more lenient due to certain circumstances. Although my aunt never mentions it, I believe it bothers her that she was turned away by the church and now divorce is more acceptible (meaning you may not be excommunicated). Is their any way to have the excommunication reversed? What if there is no abuse involved and the husband was an adulterer who filed for the divorce? Who would I need to contact to reverse the excommunication? Where is the churches stance on divorce found?

Thank you, Jeanne Walter

-- Jeanne Walter (jeannems7@aol.com), November 10, 2002

Answers

Jeanne, I have just consulted a book from the 1930's, and no, divorce itself was never grounds for excommunication. Divorce AND remarriage was and is. Actually, the Church does not recognize divorce. If absolutely necessary, it does permit separation (as in the case of abuse, other danger to spouse or children). And if a divorce is necessary for civil reasons, so be it. But the Church teaches that marriage is forever.

If your Aunt was remarried, that is another story; she is in fact unable to receive the sacraments. That has not changed, unless her first husband has died, and she can possible have her second marriage (if there was one) blessed.

-- Christina (introibo2000@yahoo.com), November 11, 2002.

Hello, Jeanne.
Christina was right in everything she told you, except for one thing.

She stated: "... divorce itself was never grounds for excommunication. Divorce AND remarriage was and is."

Actually, the second sentence should have been: "Divorce followed by remarriage was grounds for excommunication (under the 1917 Code of Canon Law), but no longer is (under the new Code of 1983)."

Jeanne, either (1) your aunt's excommunication was automatically lifted when the 1983 Code came into effect -- or (2) she can petition for it to be lifted by speaking to a priest or bishop. (I'm not sure which is true -- 1 or 2).

Some might say, "What's the difference? Whether excommunicated or not, she cannot receive the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist." Yes, those are key factors in being a Catholic, but not the only ones. What would you rather be (I would answer the questioner), a non-Catholic, told to leave -- or a Catholic who is able to participate at least partially in ecclesial life? I would rather be a Catholic.

God bless you, Jeanne and your aunt. I hope that this information will console her and that she will return to the Church.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), November 11, 2002.

I guess I would say that not being able to receive the sacraments is being excommunicated? I guess it's a matter of semantics.

-- Christina (introibo2000@yahoo.com), November 12, 2002.

Heavens, no, Christina! It is not just a matter of semantics!
A person who is excommunicated loses many privileges besides losing the ability to receive the sacraments. One who is excommunicated cannot even call him/herself a Catholic. If you stop and give it a little thought, you will come up with a long list of blessings lost through excommunication.

John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), November 13, 2002.

This church is so strict, what even makes you people stay? These people who made and are making these rules, which you live by, have shown what they made of. That is perversion and malice you people may want to think of living your own lives because you have just as much say in the world as these people who are making these rules, laws, and excommunicating you!!

-- bill shade (pornostar@hotmail.com), December 05, 2002.

Bill,

I don't speak for everybody but what makes me stay is the knowledge that the Catholic Church is the Church Jesus instituted. He promised the Holy Spirit would guide her through all time.

Can we help you understand Jesus' Church better? Simply ask any questions you have, preferably 1 or two at a time.

-- Glenn (glenn@nospam.com), December 05, 2002.

Plus, Bill, we are called to live disciplined and holy lives. The Church is a disciplinarian, but she also offers grace and forgiveness, as does our heavenly Father WHEN we turn from our sins, to Him!

I would also echo what John said. I am not yet able to participate in communion, but I have to say the Lord blesses me ANYWAY, in abundance, every time I go to mass.

I hope your aunt will return and receive the Lord's grace!

Love,

Gail

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), December 05, 2002.

"This church is so strict, what even makes you people stay?"

I'm reminded of John Ch 6, when the disciples said, "This is a hard teaching." And many of them stopped following Christ! Life isn't a cakewalk - and Christ never said that it would be! He said, "Take up your CROSS and follow me." Sure, Jesus also said his yoke was easy and his burden light. However, we must realize that they still are a YOKE and BURDEN (even though they are light). Hey, the only SURE way to salvation is to Love God with your whole heart, which means you'd be willing to do anything for Him. The Catholic Church is strict because she has the privilege to shepherd the Lords flock! Sheep who are not guided and watched closely tend to go astray. I Love the Lord, and I don’t want to go astray.

To answer your question above: As Peter said, “Where else can we go?”

In Christ.

-- Jake Huether (jake_huether@yahoo.com), December 05, 2002.

Glenn,

Actually, the Orthodox church is the Church that Jesus instituted.

Sincerely, Mark Levins

-- Mark Levins (MLevins@yahoo.com), January 31, 2003.

"Actually, the Orthodox church is the Church that Jesus instituted."

Which Orthodox Church? The Greek Orthodox Church? The Russian Orthodox? The Coptic Orthodox? LOL!

No unity, no Jesus. Know Unity, know Jesus.

Enjoy,

Mateo

-- (MattElFeo@netscape.net), January 31, 2003.

Dear Mark,

Jesus lived in the 1st century. The first historical mention of an "Orthodox Church" is from the 11th century. In contrast, there are documents from the Holy Catholic Church in every century from the beginning of the second century on. (Of course, all 1st century references to "the Church" are also references to the Catholic Church, but not by that name).

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), January 31, 2003.