J
justbeinfrank
Guest
Are annulments infallible or is it possible that a marriage tribunal might mistakenly nullify a marriage?
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B
Br.Rich_SFO
Guest
No, they are not infallible, only TEACHINGS on Faith and Morals are. So what does that say about annulments? They are decisions made with the facts known at the time the decision was rendered. Their decision can be appealed to another higher tribunal. However it is wise to remember that a person only seeks a decree of nullity when they truly believe that the Marriage was invalid. I always say that if you know in your heart that the Marriage was valid, then don’t begin the annulment process. You are only fooling yourself, your not fooling God, He knows the true answer.
P
Pug
Guest
Br. Rich,
This brings up a thought. Say MrX doesn’t want an annulment, but his wife seeks one and obtains one. Say also that MrX feels that the tribunal did hear all the facts, and that nothing was particularly concealed. So, is MrX free to marry? In many ways we are to defer to the bishop unless we have a specific better knowledge than him. Or does this have nothing to do with religious assent? I ask because it does seem sort of about morals, whether one can marry or not. MrX might still feel married, even though it was officially annulled. Is there a rule for this case?
I think if MrX knows the info given to the tribunal was a travesty of the truth, he woul not be free to marry. But I excluded this.
This brings up a thought. Say MrX doesn’t want an annulment, but his wife seeks one and obtains one. Say also that MrX feels that the tribunal did hear all the facts, and that nothing was particularly concealed. So, is MrX free to marry? In many ways we are to defer to the bishop unless we have a specific better knowledge than him. Or does this have nothing to do with religious assent? I ask because it does seem sort of about morals, whether one can marry or not. MrX might still feel married, even though it was officially annulled. Is there a rule for this case?
I think if MrX knows the info given to the tribunal was a travesty of the truth, he woul not be free to marry. But I excluded this.
B
Br.Rich_SFO
Guest
Is MrX free to marry?
As far as the Church is concerned in the external forum. However MrX would have to follow his conscience. Remember that a decree of nullity does not nullify a valid Marriage. If the tribunal has made an error and MrX knows better he should follow his conscience, in the “internal forum” an not attempt a new Marriage.
If both people feel that the Marriage was from the beginning invalid then both are free to Marry. It does not matter who filed for the Annulment.
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