This whole subject is one of those that will become a quagmire. It is a large and complicated issue with few easy answers.
First I will say that I believe that annullments may well be granted too easily today. On the other hand in times past they were surely granted too stingily and people were forced to live in abusive, even life threatening situations. It is a difficult question, where and how to draw the line. (Of course I’m sure there are those who would have no trouble drawing a line.)
Secondly is the issue of proper preparation, both in our faith and in our preparations for marriage. If these things are not attended to properly then, of course, there will be more marriages performed containing flaws. This then is not the problem of the tribunals but a larger problem within the faith.
Thirdly, I believe that there ar few people on this site who are properly and adequately knowledgable to discuss this topic properly (Myself included.) given the intricacies of it.
*I will speak to my own experience now since I did recieve an annullment this year.
The process is not as light and easy as some might suppose. The process was a spiritually difficult one for a number of reasons. Most importantly is the questionaire. If you think preparation for confession is difficult, “you ain’t seen nothin”.
I struggled mightily with the questionaire. It contained 40 questions that were quite thorough. The answers had to be honest, full. and fair both to me and to my former spouse. I did not want to blame her for the break-up but had to acknowledge that both of us had problems.
The longer I pondered over the questions, and the more sad memories were dredged up, the more I came to realize how immature and poorly formed I was at the time of my first marriage. My former wife was also poorly formed spiritually. Now some people might blow through the questions and write what they think the tribunal wants to hear, but it is they who are abusing the process, and not the tribunal.
When I began the process I was seriously concerned whether I was doing the right thing and whether I would be able to validly obtain an annulment. However by the time I was finished with the questionaire I was confident that I had been both honest and forthright, and that I knew myself better. Also I believe I am a better Christian for the process.
Once the paperwork was submitted, It was up to the Holy Spirit.*
For myself, I cannot speak to whether the annulment system as currently designed is well administered, and I wonder how many here really are.
However, in my case the process provided an opportunity to start over in my spiritual life. To return to the sacraments after about 25
years and to have my current marriage blessed in the Church.
I honestly cannot believe that the people applying for annulment, and answering the questions I had to answer, are being deliberately dishonest. If they care enough about their souls to try for an annulment, they surely aren’t going to lie on the application. And as far as the tribunals go I believe that most are doing the best they can to administer the system diligently and properly.
Remember the tribunals are not marriage councilers. They do not become involved until after the marriage has already ended in civil divorce.
Anyway, That’s my 2 dollars worth
James
