Protestant marriages?

[rightandreason]

What has been the Catholic Churches stand on whether Protestant marriages are valid. Has this changed in Canon Law over the years? If so, how can the Protestant marriage be invalid at one period in time and then later recognized as being a valid Sacrament? Thanks.

 

[Verbum]

Hi Right__,

A marriage between two Protestants is both valid and a sacrament. Just like a Catholic marriage. I am now aware that this has changed over time.

Verbum

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

What has been the Catholic Churches stand on whether Protestant marriages are valid. Has this changed in Canon Law over the years? If so, how can the Protestant marriage be invalid at one period in time and then later recognized as being a valid Sacrament? Thanks.

No nothing has changed in regard to Protestant Marriages. They cannot be invlaid at one time and valid later on.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

Hi,

Im confused so is the marriage valid? What about between a protestant and catholic married in a protestant church? I think I already know the answer but----

 

[jemfinch]

What about between a protestant and catholic married in a protestant church? I think I already know the answer but----

A Catholic is bound by the laws of the Catholic Church, and so must have a wedding that conforms to the Catholic form of marriage, unless that requirement is dispensed by an appropriate authority. If a wedding of a Catholic person does not conform to the Catholic form of marriage, it’s not a valid wedding, and the Catholic person is not married in the eyes of the Church (and thus, is fornicating on his or her wedding night).

Jeremy

 

[ALLFORHIM]

A Catholic is bound by the laws of the Catholic Church, and so must have a wedding that conforms to the Catholic form of marriage, unless that requirement is dispensed by an appropriate authority. If a wedding of a Catholic person does not conform to the Catholic form of marriage, it’s not a valid wedding, and the Catholic person is not married in the eyes of the Church (and thus, is fornicating on his or her wedding night).

Jeremy

Hi,
As well as 16 years later Im sorry I just dont believe that but obviously it is because Im not catholic. My marriage is valid before the eyes of the Lord. I was married in the Episcopal church by an ordained minister and we said the wedding vows that are biblical. I see no stipulation in the bible about only being catholic. Now if my husband wanted to leave me, biblically I could let him because he is not a true believer, but that is a whole other topic. Thankfully we are happily married with 2 children.

Oh I dont believe in divorce:thumbsup: God hates it and so do I.

 

[jemfinch]

Hi,
Im sorry I just dont believe that but obviously it is because Im not catholic.

If you’re not Catholic, and your husband is a non-believer, you’re not bound by the Catholic form of marriage; it’s only Catholics are who thusly bound.

(It’s worth noting, though, that your marriage wouldn’t be sacramental, because it’s to a non-believer; the sacraments are for Christians)

My marriage is valid before the eyes of the Lord.

As long as neither your husband nor you are Catholic, I’d agree

I was married in the Episcopal church by an ordained minister

Of course, the Episcopal orders aren’t valid; they’re not valid successors of the Apostles, because the orders aren’t given with the proper intent (i.e., with the intent to make them valid ministers of the Eucharistic sacrifice). But that doesn’t matter, because a valid successor of the Apostles isn’t required for a marriage (even for a proper Catholic marriage, in extenuating circumstances; even in ordinary circumstances, the bride and groom administer the sacrament to each other, and the priest or deacon is just a witness).

and we said the wedding vows that are biblical.

What are those? I don’t know of any biblical wedding vows, myself.

Now if my husband wanted to leave me, biblically I could let him because he is not a true believer,

If he were a Christian, would you be biblically required to stalk him?

Is he a non-Christian, or a baptized Christian who doesn’t practice?

Thankfully we are happily married with 2 children.

Praise the Lord for successful marriages (I just got married less than two months ago, I hope to be as successful with mine as you’ve been with yours )

Oh I dont believe in divorce:thumbsup: God hates it and so do I.

Excellent. That’s one of the major things that drew me to the Catholic Church. It’s the only significant Church that doesn’t permit divorce under any circumstances.

Jeremy

 

[prv]

If you’re not Catholic, and your husband is a non-believer, you’re not bound by the Catholic form of marriage; it’s only Catholics are who thusly bound.

(It’s worth noting, though, that your marriage wouldn’t be sacramental, because it’s to a non-believer; the sacraments are for Christians)

As long as neither your husband nor you are Catholic, I’d agree

Of course, the Episcopal orders aren’t valid; they’re not valid successors of the Apostles, because the orders aren’t given with the proper intent (i.e., with the intent to make them valid ministers of the Eucharistic sacrifice). But that doesn’t matter, because a valid successor of the Apostles isn’t required for a marriage (even for a proper Catholic marriage, in extenuating circumstances; even in ordinary circumstances, the bride and groom administer the sacrament to each other, and the priest or deacon is just a witness).

What are those? I don’t know of any biblical wedding vows, myself.

If he were a Christian, would you be biblically required to stalk him?

Is he a non-Christian, or a baptized Christian who doesn’t practice?

Praise the Lord for successful marriages (I just got married less than two months ago, I hope to be as successful with mine as you’ve been with yours )

Excellent. That’s one of the major things that drew me to the Catholic Church. It’s the only significant Church that doesn’t permit divorce under any circumstances.

Jeremy

With the exception of the Pauline privilege noted in the book of Acts.

Other churches, such as the Polish National Catholic Church also do not recognize divorce. But yes, you are correct.

 

[1ke]

I see no stipulation in the bible about only being catholic.

No one said you had to be Catholic to have a valid marriage. You are misreading the prior posts.

The original question was about two non-Catholic marrying each other, and that question was correctly answered that those marriages are valid from the standpoint of the Catholic Church. If both parties are baptized, they are also Sacramental.

However, you asked a different question. You asked about a Catholic and a non-Catholic being married to each other. That was also answered correctly that a Catholic is bound by the Catholic form of marriage and therefore must either marry in the Catholic Church or receive authorization (called a dispensation) to be married in the other party’s non-Catholic church. If they marry outside the church without permission-- they are not validly married. If they marry in the Church, or outside the church with permission, then they are validly married. And, if both parties are baptized it is a Sacrament.

 

[Veritas41]

I had a rather humorous experience with this. My husband and I are both converts to the Catholic faith, but were married many years before that in the Presbyterian church. When we were going through RCIA we kept hearing other couples who weren’t married in the Church talk about getting their marriages “blessed,” so we began to wonder if we needed to do that, too. We finally went to our parish priest and explained our situation (he’s a canon lawyer, too). He told us that since neither of us had been married before and we were both Protestant when we were married, Jesus had already blessed our marriage and there was no blessing he could add to that. So I take it from that Protestant marriages are considered valid

 

[axolotl]

With the exception of the Pauline privilege noted in the book of Acts.

And the Petrine privelege in Ezra.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

No one said you had to be Catholic to have a valid marriage. You are misreading the prior posts.

The original question was about two non-Catholic marrying each other, and that question was correctly answered that those marriages are valid from the standpoint of the Catholic Church. If both parties are baptized, they are also Sacramental.

However, you asked a different question. You asked about a Catholic and a non-Catholic being married to each other. That was also answered correctly that a Catholic is bound by the Catholic form of marriage and therefore must either marry in the Catholic Church or receive authorization (called a dispensation) to be married in the other party’s non-Catholic church. If they marry outside the church without permission-- they are not validly married. If they marry in the Church, or outside the church with permission, then they are validly married. And, if both parties are baptized it is a Sacrament.

Hi,

I know I asked a different question because of my circumstances. Sorry about throwing us off the main topic.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

What are those? I don’t know of any biblical wedding vows, myself.

Hi, Sometimes I like to throw things out there I have not researched yet. I mean the whole repeat after me stuff.

If he were a Christian, would you be biblically required to stalk him?

LOL

Is he a non-Christian, or a baptized Christian who doesn’t practice?

He is a baptized christian catholic that does not practice. I know the CC says that people who are baptized in the CC are saved or washed of original sin(Im might be wrong )but my husband shows no fruit or love for Christ However, my church and I pray for him constantly and I can see small changes in him.

Praise the Lord for successful marriages (I just got married less than two months ago, I hope to be as successful with mine as you’ve been with yours )

:dancing: Im so happy to hear that. It does take alot of humbling yourself. I highly reccomend a video series or there is a book but the video is hysterical. It is called Love and Respect. There are no anti-catholic anything in it. It is all about how to love your wife and how to respect your husband. I took it through a Sunday school class by myself and since I have been more respectful he has been more loving. He didnt know I took the course. He just noticed my behavior had changed.

Excellent. That’s one of the major things that drew me to the Catholic Church. It’s the only significant Church that doesn’t permit divorce under any circumstances.

JeremyYes, I will agree with you on that. I admire that as well. I have to say though my church would not allow it either unless biblical.

God Bless you

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi,

Im confused so is the marriage valid? What about between a protestant and catholic married in a protestant church? I think I already know the answer but----

Is what Marriage valid? You would have to supply the details.

A Catholic can Marry a Protestant in a Protestant church, with the permission of the Bishop for the Marriage and a Dispensation from him allowing the Marrige to take place in the Protestant church. Assumming they meet all the normal requirements like free to Marry, no prior Marriages, completed the required pre-Marriage preparation, etc.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi,
As well as 16 years later Im sorry I just dont believe that but obviously it is because Im not catholic. My marriage is valid before the eyes of the Lord. I was married in the Episcopal church by an ordained minister and we said the wedding vows that are biblical. I see no stipulation in the bible about only being catholic. Now if my husband wanted to leave me, biblically I could let him because he is not a true believer, but that is a whole other topic. Thankfully we are happily married with 2 children.

Oh I dont believe in divorce:thumbsup: God hates it and so do I.

If your husband is not a Baptized Christian and you were an Episcopalian and neither had any prior Marriages and you followed the rules of your church. The Marriage could possibly be a valid Marriage.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

Is what Marriage valid? You would have to supply the details.

A Catholic can Marry a Protestant in a Protestant church, with the permission of the Bishop for the Marriage and a Dispensation from him allowing the Marrige to take place in the Protestant church. Assumming they meet all the normal requirements like free to Marry, no prior Marriages, completed the required pre-Marriage preparation, etc.

Hi,
This is a first marriage for both of us. I tried to have the CC involved but it became too involved. I was graduating college the week before and I couldnt go through what the CC wanted me to do. I only tried because of my in-laws. I thought it would be nice for them to have the CC involved in the ceremony. It just became too cumbersome. So, no special dispensation from the church.

Another poster said that if he is not practicing then it is ok.

I should also be fair in my response that I do not believe the CC holds all the rights to whether someone can be validly married or not. I believe God holds those rights and I believe we are validly married.
I felt you should know where I stand up front.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

If you’re not Catholic, and your husband is a non-believer, you’re not bound by the Catholic form of marriage; it’s only Catholics are who thusly bound.

(It’s worth noting, though, that your marriage wouldn’t be sacramental, because it’s to a non-believer; the sacraments are for Christians)

As long as neither your husband nor you are Catholic, I’d agree

Of course, the Episcopal orders aren’t valid; they’re not valid successors of the Apostles, because the orders aren’t given with the proper intent (i.e., with the intent to make them valid ministers of the Eucharistic sacrifice). But that doesn’t matter, because a valid successor of the Apostles isn’t required for a marriage (even for a proper Catholic marriage, in extenuating circumstances; even in ordinary circumstances, the bride and groom administer the sacrament to each other, and the priest or deacon is just a witness).

What are those? I don’t know of any biblical wedding vows, myself.

If he were a Christian, would you be biblically required to stalk him?

Is he a non-Christian, or a baptized Christian who doesn’t practice?

Praise the Lord for successful marriages (I just got married less than two months ago, I hope to be as successful with mine as you’ve been with yours )

Excellent. That’s one of the major things that drew me to the Catholic Church. It’s the only significant Church that doesn’t permit divorce under any circumstances.

Jeremy

“Excellent. That’s one of the major things that drew me to the Catholic Church. It’s the only significant Church that doesn’t permit divorce under any circumstances.”

The Church does permit divorce (permanent separation without the right to remarry) When there is a serious reason like safety or security.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

If your husband is not a Baptized Christian and you were an Episcopalian and neither had any prior Marriages and you followed the rules of your church. The Marriage could possibly be a valid Marriage.

Hi,
Yes we did and we have.

 

[happygal]

“Excellent. That’s one of the major things that drew me to the Catholic Church. It’s the only significant Church that doesn’t permit divorce under any circumstances.”

The Church does permit divorce (permanent separation without the right to remarry) When there is a serious reason like safety or security.

That is the only Catholicism doctrine i unable to comprehen which did not draw me to a Catholic Church. Divorce is a NO NO NO in the eye of God (unless we are talking about adultery), when choosing our marriage partner we lift up our marriage to his hand, so if you married someone who is violent and does not provide you with any security then you are telling God that he give you a wrong partner and you are pointing to him you don’t want this partner of yours given to you by him. Let alone all marriage, the communion to two Christian are God’s arrangement, rather then seeing all those practical needs and wants, might as well you start asking yourself in the first place have you pray about your marriage, have you committed your marriage into God’s hand anot!!!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi, Sometimes I like to throw things out there I have not researched yet. I mean the whole repeat after me stuff.

LOL
He is a baptized christian catholic that does not practice. I know the CC says that people who are baptized in the CC are saved or washed of original sin(Im might be wrong )but my husband shows no fruit or love for Christ However, my church and I pray for him constantly and I can see small changes in him.

:dancing: Im so happy to hear that. It does take alot of humbling yourself. I highly reccomend a video series or there is a book but the video is hysterical. It is called Love and Respect. There are no anti-catholic anything in it. It is all about how to love your wife and how to respect your husband. I took it through a Sunday school class by myself and since I have been more respectful he has been more loving. He didnt know I took the course. He just noticed my behavior had changed.

Jeremy

Yes, I will agree with you on that. I admire that as well. I have to say though my church would not allow it either unless biblical.

God Bless you

If he was Baptized Catholic as a child and has not formally left the Catholic Church then your Marriage would most likely be invalid without his Catholic Bishops permission and Dispensation. He could possibly have grounds to have it investigated and declared Null (Annulled) through the Catholic tribunal if he were to seek this.