Should I support my mother’s new relationship?

[ajchristopher]

My mother (a Lutheran) was civilly married to my father but they have since divorced. My father was previously married to his first wife in the Church but divorced without an annulment. He has since returned to the Church thanks be to God. My mother, however, has begun dating again and I am unsure of how to feel about this. Is it wrong in the eyes of the Church for her to date since she has not gotten an annulment (even though she is Protestant and their marriage was clearly invalid)?

Secondly, she is currently dating a man who has literally just finished a divorce. I am expected to approve of her new boyfriend and his children. While I have not said anything to her yet, and while I don’t really want to confront her about it, can I (as a believing Catholic) approve of this relationship if they are just dating? I don’t see how I could, but still I don’t know if it’s my place to say anything to her even if I am questioned about it.

 

[JulianN]

I don’t see how I could, but still I don’t know if it’s my place to say anything to her even if I am questioned about it.

Pretty much this. Your mother is not Catholic. And as you pointed out, her marriage to your father was not valid as he had a prior bond. And this is just not your place to approve or not.

 

[ZemD]

You can be polite to this man and his children, even if you don’t agree with your mom’s actions.

If you are an adult and no longer live at home you can just visit your mom when her new boyfriend isn’t over.

I don’t “approve” of my mother’s remarriage outside the church, but she never asked for my approval and I think it would be inappropriate of me to correct my mother.

 

[Anicette]

Your mother don’t need an annulement. She is not catholic so is not bound by Church laws.

But that does not make divorce and remarriage more moral.

Maybe you should abstain to give or not give an approval. You may just give your conviction on marriage and divorce if your mother ask you for (eg: “for me, marriage is for life”).

You don’t need to approve in your heart what your mother is doing…

 

[JulianN]

Your mother don’t need an annulement. She is not catholic so is not bound by Church laws.

But that does not make divorce and remarriage more moral.

In this case, the Church would not consider his parents’ marriage valid, however, since his Catholic father had been previously married and had not gotten a decree of nullity before marrying his mother.

 

[1ke]

Is it wrong in the eyes of the Church for her to date since she has not gotten an annulment (even though she is Protestant and their marriage was clearly invalid)?

Your mother could only petition for a decree of nullity if she were planning to marry a Catholic. The Church doesn’t have an opinion on your mother dating.

Since your father was validly married in the Catholic Church when he married her, you are correct that marriage isn’t valid at all.

Secondly, she is currently dating a man who has literally just finished a divorce. I am expected to approve of her new boyfriend and his children.

Well, you are going to have to decide how you deal with that. Her expectations do not have to be your reality. Certainly be polite and cordial. You don’t have to “approve” of anythig.

While I have not said anything to her yet, and while I don’t really want to confront her about it, can I (as a believing Catholic) approve of this relationship if they are just dating?

Well, while your mom is certainly free to pursue marriage, the man is divorced so that’s an impediment. However, since they aren’t Catholic, they don’t believe what the Church believes and they wouldn’t have a way to act on the knowledge of his marriage situation.

I don’t see how I could, but still I don’t know if it’s my place to say anything to her even if I am questioned about it.

Your mother is an adult. Your mother is not Catholic. If she ASKS your opinion, give it. Otherwise, just be nice.