Bishops Marriage Conference Led by Supporter of Cohabitation and Divorce

[stanley123]

“A Catholic theologian who opposes Church teaching on divorce and supports creating a betrothal ceremony for cohabitating couples just led a colloquium to assist US bishops with writing a pastoral letter on marriage.”
“The governing agenda is to show how divorce and remarriage can be justified historically, canonically and theologically.”
See:
thefactis.org/default.aspx?control=ArticleMaster&aid=255&authid=12

 

[geezerbob]

The fact that the presentation was made means little at this time, except, perhaps, as a means of temporarily placating those who espouse such views. What really matters is the pastoral letter that the bishops will publish. Hopefully, it will be orthodox.

 

[JGheen]

I have a question about the betrothal ceremony . . . I know the Catholic Church as a betrothal ceremony and actually attended one in college. My understanding is that this is an option for engaged couples to give them extra spiritual protection during their engagement. It also binds them spiritually. I don’t remember that the ramifications were if they didn’t get married, but I thought there were some. I’m fairly positive the ceremony does not allow them to sleep together. Does anyone know more about this?

Also, I know from history classes that the Jewish people also had a betrothal process. Once a man and woman were betrothed, they could respectably live together and have marital relations. Since Catholic tradition and practices sprouted from the Jewish faith, why don’t we have this practice as well?

 

[contemplative]

What is the difference between a Catholic betrothal ceremony and the Sacrament of Marriage? betrothal for engaged couples?

 

[contemplative]

JGheen:

Also, I know from history classes that the Jewish people also had a betrothal process. Once a man and woman were betrothed, they could respectably live together and have marital relations. Since Catholic tradition and practices sprouted from the Jewish faith, why don’t we have this practice as well?

I remember reading this somewhere and wondering the same…why don’t we have this practice? Was it ever a part of our early Church?..and then lost?

 

[JGheen]

contemplative:

What is the difference between a Catholic betrothal ceremony and the Sacrament of Marriage? betrothal for engaged couples?

This is all I know . . . at the end of a betrothal ceremony you are betrothed, not married. During the ceremony, you promise to marry the other person (rather then saying the actual marriage vows).

The Betrothal ceremony I attended took place in a college chapel and was only about 20 minutes. A priest presided. The couple had a betrothal ceremony on campus, so that all their college friends could witness the event. The actual wedding was a few months later is the brides’ home town (many, many miles from campus and during the summer).

I’ll post a new thread “Around the Water Cooler” and see if anyone knows more.