What
are the Catholic Church's official Separation procedures; when is divorce
acceptable?
Divorce is a viable option under
limited conditions and requires pastoral guidance and authorization from
bishop. One may separate on one's own authority only if there
is an emergency.
Is
Divorce Morally Wrong?
God is against divorce, and the
person who destroys a marriage has committed a grave immoral act. No-fault
divorce is immoral and a grave offense against nature. Those obstinately
persevering in grave manifest sin are not in communion with Christ and
His Church. Regional dissenting representatives teach that no one is responsible
for the destruction of a marriage. Broken marriages are simply accidents;
there is no moral culpability.
How
does the civil marriage contract relate to Catholic Marriage?
Headquarters teaches, "Let no one,
then, be deceived by the distinction which some civil jurists have so strongly
insisted upon - the distinction, namely, by virtue of which they sever
the matrimonial contract from the sacrament, with intent to hand over the
contract to the power and will of the rulers of the State."
What
are the valid reasons for annulment?
Headquarters teaches three elements
make a marriage: the PROMISE to be 1) married till death, 2) married to
one person, and 3) to be open to children, plus the marriage must be consummated.
Regional dissenting representatives state essentially that if one breaks
these promises the marriage is null and never existed.
As
a Catholic, Is there any obligation to judge, to follow some teaching and
reject others?
Headquarters teaches that God reveals
His truth to man through the teaching magisterium of the church (Pope and
bishops in union with him), so Catholics are obligated to obey official
Church teaching and to correct their fellow man who is in error.
Regional dissenting representatives teach we are all church, and are free
to do what we choose. We are not responsible to any authority, and
should not judge others.
Who
is trying to defend marriages against forced divorce and questionable annulment
decrees?
Grass roots movement to protect
innocent spouses and children from forced divorce is similar to pro-life
movement. "... Marriage
was not invented by secular, protestant, or religious institutions, any
more than the unalienable right to, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
were invented by the signers of the Declaration of Independence."