Protestant Divorce

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My entire family is protestant, although I am a convert to the Catholic faith. My sister (a baptized protestant) is planning to marry a man (a baptized protestant).

Here’s the problem: My sister’s husband-to-be is civilly divorced (from a baptized protestant). My sister wants me to “give her away” at the wedding ceremony, since our father is no longer alive. Can I do this given 1) this is a protestant marriage; and 2) She is marrying a divorced man?
 
your sister’s fiance’ is married, despite his civil divorce. Therefore she cannot marry him unless his first marriage is annulled.
 
stjosephtomasi said:
your sister’s fiance’ is married, despite his civil divorce. Therefore she cannot marry him unless his first marriage is annulled.
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Since his sister is a Protestant she is not governed by our Canon Law. The question is whether the OP, as a Catholic, can give his sister away at her wedding. I would suggest seeking the counsel of your Priest. I am not sure that giving your sister away would constitute “material participation” or not.
 
And thus it wouldn’t be right for me to participate in the wedding?
 
DKWatchman said:
And thus it wouldn’t be right for me to participate in the wedding?
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As a Catholic you are not supposed to materially participate in a non-Catholic service. I am not sure whether giving your sister away qualifies. Talk with your Priest as he can give you the best counsel.
 
'Walking up the isle with her is hardly “material participation”.
 
DKWatchman said:
My entire family is protestant, although I am a convert to the Catholic faith. My sister (a baptized protestant) is planning to marry a man (a baptized protestant).

Here’s the problem: My sister’s husband-to-be is civilly divorced (from a baptized protestant). My sister wants me to “give her away” at the wedding ceremony, since our father is no longer alive. Can I do this given 1) this is a protestant marriage; and 2) She is marrying a divorced man?
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Morally, NO

Christ’s rules about divorce and re-marriage don’t just apply to Catholics.
 
DKWatchman said:
My entire family is protestant, although I am a convert to the Catholic faith. My sister (a baptized protestant) is planning to marry a man (a baptized protestant).

Here’s the problem: My sister’s husband-to-be is civilly divorced (from a baptized protestant). My sister wants me to “give her away” at the wedding ceremony, since our father is no longer alive. Can I do this given 1) this is a protestant marriage; and 2) She is marrying a divorced man?
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I would not attend or be involved with the ceremony at all. What is being committed there is sacrelidge, because no one who has been married in the past and who’s spouse is still alive and no decree of nullity of the previous “marriage” can get married again - PERIOD.

Canon law does not apply to these people, because they are not Catholic, yet Matrimony as taught by Our Lord is definitely binding on your sister and her “husband to be”.

There is no marriage. The Marriage to happen would be declared invalid if a marriage tribunal would hear of this event happening in a statement. It is impossible for someone to marry another if they are still married in the eyes of God. The Church sees the man as married- no matter if he got a civil divorce or not.

I would stand up for my faith here, even though it may cost you “good ties” between you and your sister. I have already had myself and my family “shunned” from my two brothers and my sister for standing for the faith.

Ken
 
otjm said:
'Walking up the isle with her is hardly “material participation”.
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Attendance at such event would show approval of what is happening- and attendance at such event - in light of what I know of my faith- would make me run out of the “worship space” to throw up.

Ken
 
Br.Rich_SFO said:
Morally, NO

Christ’s rules about divorce and re-marriage don’t just apply to Catholics.
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Well, the problem there is that some Protestants do not teach that divorce is wrong. If the Pastor of a Protestant Church teaches incorrectly about marriage and divorce then how can his flock know differently. The OP is going to talk with his Priest about the situation and take guidance from him. While opinions on CAF are great and varied no one here is qualified to advise the OP except his Priest.
 
DallasCatholic said:
Well, the problem there is that some Protestants do not teach that divorce is wrong. If the Pastor of a Protestant Church teaches incorrectly about marriage and divorce then how can his flock know differently. The OP is going to talk with his Priest about the situation and take guidance from him. While opinions on CAF are great and varied no one here is qualified to advise the OP except his Priest.
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Excuse me! We are not in this alone, WE are our brothers keepers and are called to suppoer one another in the Faith.
 
Br.Rich_SFO said:
Excuse me! We are not in this alone, WE are our brothers keepers and are called to suppoer one another in the Faith.
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You’re excused. Are you saying that you are more qualified than the OP’s Priest to advise him on this matter? If not then I am not sure what you are upset about.
 
DallasCatholic said:
You’re excused. Are you saying that you are more qualified than the OP’s Priest to advise him on this matter? If not then I am not sure what you are upset about.
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When asked my opinion about a spiritual matter I give it, and sometimes even when I’m not asked.
 
DallasCatholic said:
You’re excused. Are you saying that you are more qualified than the OP’s Priest to advise him on this matter? If not then I am not sure what you are upset about.
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The same way when I tell my brother, who is married via justice of the peace, and not living with her as “brother and sister”- THAT HIS PASTOR IS WRONG- dead wrong- for allowing him to receive holy communion every Sunday.

Ken
 
Br.Rich_SFO said:
When asked my opinion about a spiritual matter I give it, and sometimes even when I’m not asked.
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No disrespect was intended, I enjoy your posts and the knowledge that you display. I was not trying to discourage anyone from posting their opinion merely stating that they are only that…opinions. Only his Priest can gather the necessary information and advise him.

While I agree that we are called to support one another in our faith, this support can take more than one form. This sounds like it could be a situation that, handled incorrectly, can drive his sister further from the Truth. Again, I feel only his Priest can advise him correctly.
 
kleary said:
The same way when I tell my brother, who is married via justice of the peace, and not living with her as “brother and sister”- THAT HIS PASTOR IS WRONG- dead wrong- for allowing him to receive holy communion every Sunday.

Ken
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Ken,
How is that working for you? I’m not being sarcastic, I really want to know if that approach is working with your brother. I know it doesn’t work with either of mine (I know, I tried it).

Also, while I appreciate (and even agree with you that, given your explanation, the Pastor should not be allowing your brother to receive communion) it is strictly your opinion. I can’ think of any reason why a Priest would allow someone in this situation to receive communion (given that I don’t know all of the facts) but I will give the Priest the benefit of the doubt. He must have a reason to hold the position he does and he is responsible for the souls of his congregation.
 
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