Why are their Inconsistent rules for marriage?

[cchildress]

I recently visited a friend in Michigan who’s wife was dying. Their parish has a married priest who has children. My friend’s wife died and less than a year later he is marrying a non-catholic in this parish. The non-catholic bride has been married and divorced. She is not required to get an annulment or to take classes to become Catholic.

In contrast, my Brother-in-law (Colorado Springs) married a divorced non-Catholic. She was required to get an annulment and to become Catholic before marrying in the Church.

This type of inconsistency does not seem fair and is distressing to me.

Any help is appreciated. God Bless,

Cheryl Childress

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

No one is required to become a Catholic in order to marry a Catholic. All that’s needed is permission for a mixed marriage, which is rather routinely granted.

If someone has been legally married and divorced and their former spouse is still alive then he or she does need an annulment to be free to marry.

More information would be needed about specific situations to give specific answers.