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WHY DO CATHOLICS...? ARCHIVE
The following question was answered as a part of our Why Do Catholics...? series. If you would like to submit a question for our Why Do Catholics...? series, email faithform@abecket.org or leave your question in the Faith Formation box in the Parish Office.

Why do Catholics have to get an annulment before they can remarry as Catholics?

The Catholic Church believes in the sanctity of marriage, in its covenant establishing a lifelong partnership between a man and woman. The Church does not consider the civil authorities capable of breaking this sacramental bond. The role of the Church is to examine the state of the union to determine if the marriage lacked the sacramental quality from its onset. Marriage, to be a sacred covenant, must be entered into with full realization and understanding of the essential properties of the sacrament. Marriage is to be entered with nothing standing in the way of a free and total consent. It must be accepted as a faithful, life-long, sharing of life, committed to the good of both spouses, and open to the procreation and formation of children. The individuals must be able to carry out the full obligations of marriage. If the Church, it its examination of the union, is able to decree that one of the essential properties of marriage was lacking it grants a decree of nullity and the person can then remarry in the Church.

If a person desires to remarry in the Catholic Church, they need to determine their ability to do so. This is done through the Detroit Archdiocese Marriage Tribunal, usually through the annulment process. We maintain an extensive FAQ on the subject of annulment. You can find out more about the annulment process by reading the Annulment FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Laura Broyles, Adult Faith Formation Director
laura.broyles@abecket.org

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