Religious Studies - Ethics

Christian attitudes to divorce and marriage

The vows made in a Christian marriage ceremony, clearly states that they promise to stay together 'til death do us part', stating that divorce will not happen.

Christians have different ideas about what should be done if this is the case.

·         The Roman Catholic Church accepts that a couple may choose to live apart, but they may not divorce and then marry someone else in a religious ceremony. It is believed that a marriage is made before God and is a sacrament - it cannot be undone.

·         An annulment might be granted if a couple were under age when they were married or if one or both of the couple were unaware of their actions due to careless responsibility, it is only granted due to non-consummation ( no sexual relationship took place after the marriage )

·         The Church of England will accept divorce any may agree to a divorced person to remarry

·         Other denominations accept that a marriage is ended, not by the death of a partner, but by the death of the love between a couple. They will allow remarriage because they wish to encourage a couple to start a new relationship within the faith. 

·         All Christians will try to support a couple if they are having difficulties within their marriage and do all they can to help them maintain a happy marriage.