Christian Attitudes to Divorce

Question 1

What are four points?

Answer 1

Marriage is a sacrament
Jesus’ teachings
Marriage is not a sacrament
People make mistakes

Question 2

Marriage is a sacrament

Answer 2

Roman Catholic Church
Marriage is sanctified by God: “What God has joined let no one put asunder.” (Marriage service)
Marriage cannot be absolved by anything humans do

Question 3

Jesus’ teachings

Answer 3

Conservative Evangelicals
“He who divorces his wife…and marries another woman commits adultery.” (Mark 10:11)
Adultery is a sin which is forbidden in the 10 Commandments
Christian should not sin or act contrary to Jesus’ teachings

Question 4

Marriage is not a sacrament

Answer 4

The Scottish Presbyterian Church believe that marriage is not a sacrament and allow divorce

Question 5

People make mistakes

Answer 5

Church of England and Quakers
Humans make mistakes and relationships do break down, so starting again can be the healthiest thing for all concerned
Since 1981, the General Synod has given parish ministers the authority to remarry divorced people in church if they feel that it is appropriate and with the permission of their bishops

Question 6

In the UK, what is divorce governed by? What does this allow?

Answer 6

the Matrimonial Causes Act of 1973
This allows a divorce to be granted if it can be shown that the marriage has suffered an “irretrievable breakdown”
e.g. adultery, violence, alcoholism

Question 7

What is the Eastern Orthodox Churches view on divorce and remarriage?

Answer 7

It has the authority to end marriages, and the church itself will grant divorces
A third marriage is rarely allowed

Question 8

Usually allow remarriage in church

Answer 8

Church of England
Methodist Church
Eastern Orthodox Church

Question 9

Accepts that marriages do end and allow civil divorce

Answer 9

Church of England
Methodist Church
Eastern Orthodox Church

Question 10

Annulments are permitted

Answer 10

Church of England
Methodist Church
Eastern Orthodox Church
Roman Catholic Church

Question 11

When does the Roman Catholic Church allow an annulment?

Answer 11

If the couple can prove that (any one point):
They did not understand what they were doing
They were forced into the marriage
The marriage was not consummated (no sexual intercourse)
One of the partners was not baptised
e.g. underage, mentally and physically disabled, vulnerable, child marriage

Question 12

Widows and widowers are free to marry again in church

Answer 12

Church of England
Methodist Church
Eastern Orthodox Church
Roman Catholic Church

Question 13

Jesus’ teachings on the sanctity of marriage are an ideal which married couples can aim for

Answer 13

Church of England
Methodist Church
Eastern Orthodox Church
Roman Catholic Church

Question 14

Remarriage service is more sombre in tone

Answer 14

Eastern Orthodox Church

Question 15

The Church used to offer special services where marriage is ended

Answer 15

Eastern Orthodox Church

Question 16

If a couple married in church get divorced by the state, they are still married in the eyes of the church

Answer 16

Roman Catholic Church

Question 17

A marriage is a sacrament that cannot be dissolved by anything people do

Answer 17

Roman Catholic Church