A problem time

[momor]

Nevertheless, the Catholic Church does indeed recognize this as a valid and sacramental marriage. Since this is church teaching we can believe that God recognizes this marriage.

I think most people would be very insulted if you suggested to them that the reason they married before a judge instead of in church means that they don’t intend that this is a real marriage ‘until death do us part’.

I think you will find that many or maybe even most people who marry before a judge don’t give any thought to God’s place in their marriage. They see their marriage as a civil contract not in any sacramental sense. I would also venture to say that they enter the marriage hoping it will last a lifetime but fully expecting that they will be able to divorce if things go sour. I hardly find that likely to be sacramental or valid in God’s eyes. That is what the Tribunal will be judging.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

How can a marriage be valid in the eyes of God if the 2 parties to the marriage never had any intention of making a vow before God or viewing their marriage or their sexual union in any way as sacramental? Wouldn’t those Christians who had that intention be married by a minister? No, not necessarily. Perhaps they don’t attend church regularly, perhaps they can’t agree on a minister, perhaps they want an inexpensive wedding. All they need for it to be a valid and sacramental marriage is the intention that the marriage be permanent, exclusive, and open to life. And that they enter into it freely.

What I am trying to say is that if someone had only a civil marriage that did not include a vow taken before God, chances are good the Tribunal is going to find a way to declare an impediment existed for someone who is now wanting to have a sacramental marriage. We can hope so but the tribunal can’t find an impediment unless one exists.

Please submit this question to the experts’ forum if you want a clearer answer than we can give.

 

[tommmcg]

Can i thank all of you for taking the time to post a reply, you’ve certainly given us food for thought. many thanks