Introduction
Most people don't fully understand what the Churchreallyteaches about love, sex,
marriage, divorce, annulment, or remarriage.In fact, there are simply too many myths and
misunderstandings that can cause frustration, anger, and even lead some to leave the Church.
The "good news" is that anyone can access the truth of Church teachings from reliable
sources, such as theCatechism of the Catholic Church(CCC 2382-2386). Firstly, the Church
recognizes that civil divorce—and what may lead up to it—is a grave offense to the natural
law and the dignity of marriage. It’s a deep wound to the couple, their family, and the whole
community. But did you also know that not all marriages were entered into in a way that is
recognized as valid by the Catholic Church, even if the couple married inside a church?
Even if one or both parties intended authentic marriage, maybe one or both was not capable
or free to marry in a way that images the free, permanent, life-giving bond between Christ
the Bridegroom and his bride, the Church. After all, the Church always looks to Christ
in everything and especially to his words about this important union. There may have
been a wedding, a shared life, good times, and beautiful children—but sometimes (from the
beginning) significant problems can prevent a true marriage bond from forming.
While not a blanket permission to divorce, the Church also knows that civil divorce is
necessary sometimes for very serious reasons, such as the safety or well-being of the
family.Sometimes it's clear that, after years of struggle and a final divorce, there never was a
free, faithful, total or fruitful bond that was formed between the couple when they said "I do."
But sadder still, is when one party gave it his or her very best and intended the union freely,
faithfully, and fully for life, only to be abandoned by the other party. The Church is clear
and unyielding in assuming every marriage is valid until proven otherwise; she upholds the
dignity, sanctity, and indissolubility of marriage vows. But she also understands that what
sometimes looked like a marriage was not.
Each case is different because each person and each marriage is unique. No matter what
your situation may be, the Church is here to help investigate, clarify, encourage, and support
you and your family in living a holy and happy life.Don't be discouraged—keep learning.