When Are You Married?

[jmcrae]

Since the Church is the body of Christ, (also, the “BRIDE” of Christ), to be married outside the Church is to be married outside of the eyes of God.

This applies only to Catholics (and to everyone who has ever been Catholic).

Non-catholics who have never been Catholic are married in the eyes of God when they follow the normal procedures for their culture and religion.

Now, whether a non-Catholic can be considered married if he has his own ideas about what marriage is, and conflicts with the ideas of the religion that he practices and the culture that he lives in.

I think that’s what’s at the root of the question, here, and I am thinking, “No,” since marriage is a public act - it’s how the neighbors know that our children are legitimate, and how the government knows which last name to give them on their birth certificates.

If people around you can’t tell or can’t know that you’re married (ie: if you give the outward appearance of shacking up, and you have nothing concrete to contradict that outward appearance, like a marriage certificate from a drive-through wedding chapel in Las Vegas, for example), then no, you aren’t married.

If your children are being given their mother’s last name on their birth certificates, then no, you are not her husband; you are shacking up. Even if you are doing so faithfully, and with the intent of continuing to do so for the rest of your life.

 

[Ignatius]

I don’t think that’s relevant to the OP’s intent, and I know her well enough to know that her answer will be the same as ours… a resounding “NO!”

My Apologies then.

 

[forgetmenot]

Wow. It seems people are being rather harsh. Nor does everyone know the complete scenario. My ‘harsh’ response for some to reflect on is to consider states that recognize common law.
We were not in a situation as described.
Validation will always remain in my heart.
Thank you for your kind replies. I was only looking for help.