How to Act Towards Invalidly Married Catholics by Donald Miller

[Mike_from_NJ]

Thank you, SAVINGRACE and Confiteor Deo.

 

[jschwartz]

How is an annulment any different from a divorce? It seems like a divorce that dissolves a marriage under the auspices of religious authority. Are there really any cases where the church wouldn’t grant an annulment?

For a Catholic marriage to be valid, it is required that: (1) the spouses are free to marry; (2) they are capable of giving their consent to marry; (3) they freely exchange their consent; (4) in consenting to marry, they have the intention to marry for life, to be faithful to one another and be open to children; (5) they intend the good of each other; and (6) their consent is given in the presence of two witnesses and before a properly authorized Church minister.

Numbers 4 and 5 seem as if these can be subject to an incredibly broad range of interpretations. Most divorces occur because or 4 and 5. Infidelity, improper use of finances, addictions, including gambling. abuse, spousal neglect (including neglect of romantic and sexual needs), and incompatible differences seem to all fall under these categories. Therefore, the annulment seems as if it’s a formality.

That being said, I believe it to be a good thing for a marriage to be dissolved in the same manner in which it was entered. If we believe God supports us in all our trials and travails, certainly God supports us and sanctifies a decision which enables people to live life in a more fruitful and abundant manner.

 

[GKC]

How is an annulment any different from a divorce? It seems like a divorce that dissolves a marriage under the auspices of religious authority. Are there really any cases where the church wouldn’t grant an annulment?

For a Catholic marriage to be valid, it is required that: (1) the spouses are free to marry; (2) they are capable of giving their consent to marry; (3) they freely exchange their consent; (4) in consenting to marry, they have the intention to marry for life, to be faithful to one another and be open to children; (5) they intend the good of each other; and (6) their consent is given in the presence of two witnesses and before a properly authorized Church minister.

Numbers 4 and 5 seem as if these can be subject to an incredibly broad range of interpretations. Most divorces occur because or 4 and 5. Infidelity, improper use of finances, addictions, including gambling. abuse, spousal neglect (including neglect of romantic and sexual needs), and incompatible differences seem to all fall under these categories. Therefore, the annulment eems as if it’s a formality.

That being said, I believe it to be a good thing for a marriage to be dissolved in the same manner in which it was entered. If we believe God supports us in all our trials and travails, certainly God supports us and sanctifies a decision which enables people to live life in a more fruitful and abundant manner.

A decree of nullity does not dissolve a valid marriage.It declares that no valid marriage had occurred, due to some specified impediments. Technically, a marriage in such a case is not annulled, it declared to be null, ab initio.

 

[Norseman82]

It wouldnt matter if it was published in the 50’s it still holds true today, even more so. The book of the New Testament were written how many years ago? Or papal encyclicals of the past? There is a continuance througout the history of the Church. Now your welcome to add to this solid document with the writings and letters that happened after it, but it doesnt diminish this document.

Agreed. Although from 60 years ago, it is truly prophetic about what is hapenning today.

 

[Little_Sheep]

How is an annulment any different from a divorce?

Annulment is how Catholics approach divorce after the civil divorce. I’ve never understood why secular society triggers this spiritual process.

 

[GKC]

Annulment is how Catholics approach divorce after the civil divorce. I’ve never understood why secular society triggers this spiritual process.

A divorce concerns a valid marriage, whether secular or sacramental.

A decree of nullity is a finding that for various factors (normally defined impediments, no valid marriage ever existed.

RCs don’t approach divorce, within canon law. They do, or may, when a causa is submitted, examine whether a valid marriage exists.