Divorce

Question 1

Do Catholics believe it is acceptable to divorce?

Answer 1

It is NOT allowed

• You have made a promise to God and your partner
• To break a promise would be a sin
• Marriage is a sacrament
• Even if you are divorced in law you are not divorced in the eyes of God
• Any relationship you have with another person would be adultery
• You may separate but not divorce

Question 2

Do Protestants believe it is acceptable to divorce?

Answer 2

It IS ALLOWED

• God is a loving God and does not want people to suffer
• God would not want people to suffer in an abusive relationship
• If you have tried to reconcile a divorce can be used as a last resort
• God gave us freewill to decide what is best
• Someone who is divorced can remarry in an Anglican church

Question 3

What is an annulment?

Answer 3

The Catholic Church believes this is the only acceptable was to dissolve a marriage.
- It can only be granted if the couple have not had sex and it can be proven that the marriage should not have taken place

Question 4

Do Muslims believe it is acceptable to divorce?

Answer 4

• A married couple should try to resolve their problems
• They should try to seek help from an Imam and others in their community
• Muslims recognise sometimes reconciliation is not always possible
• Muslims seek a civil divorce
• They also believe marriage should be ended in the eyes of Allah

Question 5

How do Muslims divorce?

Answer 5

• They would need to apply to Shari’ah council to ask for a divorce
• They would need to wait three months to ensure the wife is not pregnant
• A divorce is then granted

Question 6

Humanist attitudes towards Divorce

Answer 6

• they believe family breakdown is best avoided and couples should try to work through their difficulties, especially when children are involved
• they recognise it is not always possible to reconcile
• if it improves their quality of life it is okay to separate and divorce

Question 7

CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN - SOURCE OF WISDOM FOR DIVORCE

Answer 7

“… anyone who divorces his wife…and marries another woman commits adultery.” - MATTHEW 19:9

Question 8

PROTESTANT CHRISTIAN - SOURCE OF WISDOM FOR DIVORCE

Answer 8

“Love thy neighbour.” - MATTHEW 22:37-39

Question 9

CHRISTIANITY - SOURCE OF WISDOM FOR DIVORCE

Answer 9

“therefore what God has joined together; let no one separate.” - MARK 10:9

Question 10

ISLAM - SOURCE OF WISDOM ON DIVORCE

Answer 10

“either keep her in an acceptable manner or release her with good treatment.” - QUR’AN 2:229

Question 11

ISLAM - SOURCE OF WISDOM ON DIVORCE

Answer 11

“if they both desire reconciliation, God will cause it between them. Indeed, God is ever Knowing and Aware.” - QUR’AN 4:35