Posted by giveawayboy on July 12, 2001 at 18:27:56:
In Reply to: annulment of a marriage posted by Puzzled/Hurt/completely confused on July 12, 2001 at 17:05:11:
: Could someone help me out with something that is confusing me very much. Pastor, perhaps? It is my understanding that divorce is not acknowledged in the Catholic faith. However it seems one or both parties of a marriage can loophole this by having their marriage annuled. My confusion is how could it possibled be sanctioned by the church when the marriage is on of over 25 years and there are children involved? And if both parties are not in agreement. ie: the husband wishes it so but the wife is totally against it. Please help me understnd how this could possibly be?
This is always a very confusing and misunderstood topic. And, to be honest, most people who talk about it get it wrong, or they are responding out of an emotional reaction and not from a point of understanding what annulments truly are. I will say this much--having not studied it too much--an annulment is NOT a loophole. it is a serious investigation with pastoral concern for both parties invovled. the reasons there is a big to do about annulments is that the Catholics view marriage as more than just a contract. it is a very holy covenant within the church. it is called a sacrament. an annulment does not exist as a sort of catholic divorce alternative. the whole process is very complex and if you would like i can try to help you find some good websites on it. if you are hungry for the truth then the right info is out there. here is one book i can mention:
100 ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ON ANNULMENTS by Edward Peters, J.D., J.C.D.
sorry, i don't know more, but marriage, divorce and annulments are not part of my recent experience.
later, bill