What is the church's view of cohabitation in special cases?

[akiharu]

So I’ve got 2 questions regarding cohabitation.

1. If it’s the only way for your partner to be able to live in your country, is it allowed temporarily until you can get married and they can get a residence permit?
2. If someone else also lives with you (for example, a friend of the same sex) is it allowed then or still not okay?

Basically, I’m in a situation where my partner wants to move to my country when I return home, but because of money problems the only way she’d be able to actually be allowed to live in my country we’d have to live temporarily together without being married

 

[Vico]

So I’ve got 2 questions regarding cohabitation.

1. If it’s the only way for your partner to be able to live in your country, is it allowed temporarily until you can get married and they can get a residence permit?
2. If someone else also lives with you (for example, a friend of the same sex) is it allowed then or still not okay?

Basically, I’m in a situation where my partner wants to move to my country when I return home, but because of money problems the only way she’d be able to actually be allowed to live in my country we’d have to live temporarily together without being married

Cohabitation Before Marriage by Catholic Bishops of Kansas, Origins, June 4, 1998​

Appendix: … the church still teaches clearly and consistently that premarital sexual intercourse objectively is mortally sinful. Couples who live together, even if they are not engaging in premarital sexual relations, give the impression to the community that such an arrangement is totally acceptable.
…
Some priests sincerely feel they are acting out of compassion for the cohabiting couple, knowing how difficult it might be to challenge them to live apart. Compromising the full truth of the Bible, however, is really a disservice because Jesus teaches that the truth will set us free no matter how difficult the sacrifice may be. [22: Jn. 8:32.]

Library : Cohabitation Before Marriage | Catholic Culture

 

[Loud-living-dogma]

I’m trying to get an idea of what kind of immigration laws you have in your country. Can you give me a hint as to what country you are in? Is it really a money issue – if your fiance(e) can’t afford to live on his / her own?
Also, what do you mean by “partner”? Fiance(e)?

 

[1ke]

Basically, I’m in a situation where my partner wants to move to my country when I return home, but because of money problems the only way she’d be able to actually be allowed to live in my country we’d have to live temporarily together without being married

You should talk to your priest.

Doing things the right way is important. Even when it’s difficult. There are ways to marry without living together first, even in situations where different countries are involved.

The path of “having” to live together is often motivated by something else- fear of losing the other person, impatience, etc.

Speak to an immigration specialist in your country, or someone from the government. Look into a fiancé visa or the equivalent in your country.

I’ve never heard of a situation where the “only” way someone can immigrate to another country is to live with a specific person without marrying them. I am skeptical of this scenario.

When the Church speaks of cohabitation, it is talking about a sexual relationship not a roommate relationship. However, living together and being responsible for this person’s ability to stay in the country while discerning marriage is a large burden and could lead to marrying in haste, or feeling pressure to marry. The premarital process is there for a reason. Talk to a priest in your own country, and follow their advice.

 

[Lara]

I don’t think this is the correct help for the OP. I think we can presume the situation is temporary and that they will be chaste. This article is more about people who are really “living together.” Basically, if this is a Catholic writing in, we can assume that he wants to actually follow the Church’s teachings.

Still, I’d say it’s better not to have your partner come live with you, even if you are chaste.

 

[Vico]

I don’t think this is the correct help for the OP. I think we can presume the situation is temporary and that they will be chaste. This article is more about people who are really “living together.” Basically, if this is a Catholic writing in, we can assume that he wants to actually follow the Church’s teachings.

Still, I’d say it’s better not to have your partner come live with you, even if you are chaste.

The Bishops agree with you with what you think is better, saying that such living will “give the impression to the community that such an arrangement is totally acceptable”.