annulment

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Does the Catholic Church recognize a Methodist annulment? My fiancé received an annulment from the Methodist Church from his marriage of 10 years ago. We wish to marry in the Catholic Church. Doe he need to seek an annulment from the Catholic Church as well?

Thank you, Tim

-- Tim Petersen (timpet2003@yahoo.com), January 03, 2003

Answers

Hello, Tim.

I cannot answer your question with 100% certainty (because I have never read about such a case), but I am fairly confident in saying that the Catholic Church will have to consider the case anew -- and our tribunal may or may not issue a Declaration of Nullity. One reason for this is that the "grounds" considered indicative of nullity almost certainly differ between Catholicism and Methodism. Another reason is that the Catholic Church may not recognize the Methodist tribunal as having the power to make such a decision.

I can tell you for sure that a civil annulment (granted by a secular court) is not good enough. But I think that your friend's case must be brought to the attention of your parish priest as soon as possible. I hope you won't be offended, but I would urge you not to refer to your friend as your "fiance." Since he may still be married, in God's eyes, to the woman from whom he is divorced (permanently separated), it is not prudent for you to think of yourselves as engaged.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), January 03, 2003.


In my previous question i mentioned a methodist annulment. I meant an Epicopal annulment. Sorry for the confusion.

-- Tim Petersen (timpet2003@yahoo.com), January 03, 2003.

That does not affect my answer, Tim. JFG

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), January 03, 2003.

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