The rules governing marital dissolution throughout the Catholic Church are based mostly on the understanding of marriage as a sacrament instituted by God. These precepts maintain marriage to be a lifelong, unique union between one man and one girl. The Churchs canon legislation dictates {that a} legitimate sacramental marriage, ratified and consummated, is indissoluble. Due to this fact, civil divorce, whereas acknowledged by secular legislation, doesn’t finish a wedding within the eyes of the Church. A proper investigation could also be undertaken to find out if elements existed on the time of the wedding ceremony that will render the wedding invalid, equivalent to lack of free consent or intention.
The importance of those rules lies of their emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the dedication to its permanence. Traditionally, this stance has supplied stability to households and society. It additionally underscores the Churchs position as an ethical compass, guiding people in direction of what it considers to be the perfect of lifelong dedication. Nonetheless, the Church additionally acknowledges the truth of damaged marriages and the struggling concerned. That is mirrored within the provision of annulments and pastoral care for individuals who have skilled divorce.