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Bible
Old Testament
Genesis 2:24
In this second creation story the provision for men and women living together
as man and wife is envisaged.
Deuteronomy
24 allows a bill of divorce to be issued in certain circumstances.
This law is unclear and in Jesus’ day it was open to abuse.
New Testament
Here again the evidence
is unclear.
In St Mark’s Gospel Jesus seems to imply that there
should be no divorce. The original plan stated in Genesis did not include
a provision for the end of the marriage. Jesus supports this and quotes
it to his questioners.
In St Matthew’s
Gospel some words of Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount seem
to imply that divorce is permissible if an act of adultery has been committed.
Roman Catholic Church
Marriage is for life.
The church does not recognise a civil divorce.
Remarriage after a civil divorce is regarded as an act of adultery.
A couple who cannot get on with each other after marriage may live separately.
Marriage can be dissolved if one partner will not agree to Catholic practices
Marriage can be annulled if for some reason the marriage should never
have happened.
Apart from the two above exceptions, marriage is considered a lifelong
commitment.
Eastern Orthodox Church
Divorce is regrettable and against the aims of marriage.
If a legal divorce is obtained the couple can apply to the church for
their divorce to be recognised by a Bishop.
After this people who have been divorced may be married in church again.
The service is usually a low-key affair.
Church of England
The church recognises a civil divorce.
Normally with a second marriage the couple have a civil wedding ceremony
followed by a Blessing of the Marriage in the church.
In certain circumstances and where a Bishop has given his permission,
remarriage in church is permitted. This is at the discretion of the local
priest or minister.
Methodist Church
The Methodist Church recognises civil divorce as the end of a marriage.
Both partners are free to marry again.
A church wedding is usually allowed.
It s up to the conscience of the individual minister.
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