Did Jesus approve of divorce in cases of adultery?

[refulgence]

I am familiar with the Church’s teaching on divorce. As I understand it, there is no such concept in the Church. Even in cases of adultery, the Church does not grant or approve of divorce.

But recently I was reading the Gospel of Matthew and in Chapter 5 (verse 31-32), Jesus condemns divorce but says “except in cases of marital infidelity” (the specific words differ depending on translation).

I’m having a hard time reconciling the traditional Catholic teaching with the words of Jesus. He seems to indicate that divorce is acceptable in cases of infidelity.

Can you help me understand Church teaching as it relates to cases of adultery in marriage, in light of Jesus’s words in Matthew?

 

[Leonie_Ambrose]

refulgence,

The following links should be helpful for understanding the Church’s teaching on divorce (and remarriage) in the case of adultery. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

Recommended Reading:
Did Jesus Say Adultery Is Grounds for Divorce? by Jimmy Akin
Divorce and Remarriage: The Fathers Know Best