Changes

Most Protestant churches permit divorce, but encourage marriage counseling services or pastoral discussion first to save a marriage, saving divorce as a last resort. Sometimes the local pastor has exclusive authority over the marital business of his church, with only minimal policymaking from above. Most [[conservative]] [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations restrict divorce to one or two conditions, and allow remarriage in the case of the innocent victim.  

Most Protestant churches permit divorce, but encourage marriage counseling services or pastoral discussion first to save a marriage, saving divorce as a last resort. Sometimes the local pastor has exclusive authority over the marital business of his church, with only minimal policymaking from above. Most [[conservative]] [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations restrict divorce to one or two conditions, and allow remarriage in the case of the innocent victim.  

In the rather detailed statement by the General Council of the Assemblies of God it is stated,  

In the rather detailed statement by the General Council of the Assemblies of God it is stated,  

divorce is treachery (deceitful unfaithfulness) against one’s companion. Jesus forbade divorce as contrary to God's will and word", though He "permitted a Christian to initiate a divorce when “marital unfaithfulness” was involved", with  porneia being "a broad term for sexual immorality of various kinds, often habitual, both before and after marriage (Mark 7:21; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:18; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). In stating the exception, Matthew did not use moicheia, the Greek noun for adultery. (Jesus did differentiate between porneia and moicheia elsewhere [Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21] and the verb moicheuō is used in Matthew 5:32;19:9 to describe the actions of the sinful party who forces the divorce without a valid cause.)  

:...divorce is treachery (deceitful unfaithfulness) against one’s companion. Jesus forbade divorce as contrary to God's will and word", though He "permitted a Christian to initiate a divorce when “marital unfaithfulness” was involved", with  porneia being "a broad term for sexual immorality of various kinds, often habitual, both before and after marriage (Mark 7:21; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:18; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). In stating the exception, Matthew did not use moicheia, the Greek noun for adultery. (Jesus did differentiate between porneia and moicheia elsewhere [Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21] and the verb moicheuō is used in Matthew 5:32;19:9 to describe the actions of the sinful party who forces the divorce without a valid cause.)  

As regard remarriage, it holds that,  

As regard remarriage, it holds that,  

This shows that a married person who divorces a sexually immoral spouse does not cause that spouse to commit adultery, since the offender is already guilty of adultery. Paul also included an exception on behalf of the innocent spouse. In cases where unbelieving spouses were unwilling to live with partners who had become believers, Paul advised, “If the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound [not “enslaved,” douloō] in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace" (1Corinthians 7:15). “Not bound” is a strong expression that appears to mean the believer is set free. Therefore, the meaning seems to be that the believer is free to remarry. <ref>[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4189_divorce_remarriage.pdf AG Position Papers: Divorce and Remarriage Application of Biblical Principles]</ref>

:This shows that a married person who divorces a sexually immoral spouse does not cause that spouse to commit adultery, since the offender is already guilty of adultery. Paul also included an exception on behalf of the innocent spouse. In cases where unbelieving spouses were unwilling to live with partners who had become believers, Paul advised, “If the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound [not “enslaved,” douloō] in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace" (1Corinthians 7:15). “Not bound” is a strong expression that appears to mean the believer is set free. Therefore, the meaning seems to be that the believer is free to remarry. <ref>[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4189_divorce_remarriage.pdf AG Position Papers: Divorce and Remarriage Application of Biblical Principles]</ref>

 

The statement of position and policy adopted on June 24, 1983, by the Southeastern Mennonite Conference disagrees, stating

:And also, that the bond of undefiled, honorable matrimony is so unchangeably bound in the kingdom and government of Christ that neither a man nor a woman can forsake one the other, and take another, understand rightly what Christ says, except it be for fornication, Matthew 19:9.Divorce has not permitted among the Anabaptists and Mennonites from the earliest times to the mid-20th century except for the cause of adultery, in accordance with the Biblical standard as found in Matthew 19:9, although separation (either legal or privately arranged) was generally allowed.

Scripturally, there is nothing which breaks the marriage bond except death. The act of adultery does not dissolve the marriage bond, although it decidedly affects the quality of a marriage relationship and leaves a permanent scar on the persons involved. A legal document called divorce, from God's point of view, does not break the marriage bond, else remarriage would not be adultery. Even the conversion of one of two unbelieving married partners does not dissolve the marriage bond. If the unbelieving partner should leave, the marriage bond continues.  Statement of Position on Divorce and Remarriage

The Wismar Resolutions of 1554, (as quoted in Mennonitisches Lexikon I, 530) state:

Mennonite founder Menno Simons (ca. 1496-1561) clarified the Anabaptist position on divorce, based directly on the words of Christ and of the Apostle Paul, with adultery being the only acceptable ground for divorce.  

:Adultery on the part of one member breaks the marriage relationship. However, the responsible party may return to re-establish the relationship provided he (or she) gives evidence of due repentance and a changed life. In cases of deliberate adultery, the innocent party may be free to remarry after consulting with the congregation." The position taken by the Hutterian Brethren was ". . . that nothing can break the marriage bond except adultery. In cases where a man is married to an unbelieving woman, and she desires to live with him, he may not divorce her (nor vice versa). If the unbelieving husband threatens her faith or hinders the training of the children in the faith, she may divorce her husband, but must not remarry so long as that man is living.<ref>[http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/D59ME.html The Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO) "Divorce and Remarriage]</ref>

"And also, that the bond of undefiled, honorable matrimony is so unchangeably bound in the kingdom and government of Christ that neither a man nor a woman can forsake one the other, and take another, understand rightly what Christ says, except it be for fornication, Matthew 19:9.Divorce has not permitted among the Anabaptists and Mennonites from the earliest times to the mid-20th century except for the cause of adultery, in accordance with the Biblical standard as found in Matthew 19:9, although separation (either legal or privately arranged) was generally allowed.

The statement of position and policy adopted on June 24, 1983, by the Southeastern Mennonite Conference, is a minor dissenting view, which states

The Wismar Resolutions of 1554, (as quoted in Mennonitisches Lexikon I, 530) state:

:Scripturally, there is nothing which breaks the marriage bond except death. The act of adultery does not dissolve the marriage bond, although it decidedly affects the quality of a marriage relationship and leaves a permanent scar on the persons involved. A legal document called divorce, from God's point of view, does not break the marriage bond, else remarriage would not be adultery. Even the conversion of one of two unbelieving married partners does not dissolve the marriage bond. If the unbelieving partner should leave, the marriage bond continues.  Statement of Position on Divorce and Remarriage

The Wesleyan Church states,  

The Wesleyan Church states,  

The only scriptural grounds for considering divorce is the sexual sin of the spouse such as adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality, or incest. Appropriate counseling to restore the relationship must always precede a consideration of divorce. To obtain a divorce on other than scriptural grounds is a sin against God and man. Such putting asunder of what God has joined is a direct and deliberate act of disobedience against both the Law and the Gospel. It separates one from God and subjects a member to Church discipline (5350; 5370). (Discipline 265:10; 410:6) Divorce, however sinful the act and however serious the consequences, is not unpardonable. A  

:The only scriptural grounds for considering divorce is the sexual sin of the spouse such as adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality, or incest. Appropriate counseling to restore the relationship must always precede a consideration of divorce. To obtain a divorce on other than scriptural grounds is a sin against God and man. Such putting asunder of what God has joined is a direct and deliberate act of disobedience against both the Law and the Gospel. It separates one from God and subjects a member to Church discipline (5350; 5370). (Discipline 265:10; 410:6) Divorce, however sinful the act and however serious the consequences, is not unpardonable. A redeemed sinner or reclaimed backslider is “free” to marry “in the Lord” or to remain unmarried...<ref>[http://www.wesleyan.org/bgs/assets/downloads/down.php?dfile=Standing%20Firm.pdf Standing Firm 10-17-01]</ref>

redeemed sinner or reclaimed backslider is “free” to marry “in the Lord” or to remain unmarried...<ref>[http://www.wesleyan.org/bgs/assets/downloads/down.php?dfile=Standing%20Firm.pdf Standing Firm 10-17-01]</ref>

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod states that "While divorce can be justified Scripturally in certain situations (e.g., adultery or desertion), it is always preferable for couples to forgive and work toward healing and strengthening their marriage." In the 1987 study, Divorce and Remarriage: An Exegetical Study", it is stated, "A person who divorces his/her spouse for any other cause than sexual unfaithfulness and marries another commits adultery. have no prohibition on divorce.<ref>[http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2128 How is divorce viewed in the LCMS?]</ref>

Reformed Church in America stated[http://www.accsd.org/Reformed.html] that

Reformed Church in America stated[http://www.accsd.org/Reformed.html] that "God's intention for marriage is permanency.  Divorce involves sin.  There are only two permissible grounds for divorce: adultery, based on the exceptive clause in Matthew 19:9, and desertion of the believing spouse by the unbeliever, based upon the so-called "Pauline Privilege" in I Corinthians 7:15."<ref> Understanding Protestant Churches of North America (2003) by Shelly Steig,</ref>  

:God's intention for marriage is permanency.  Divorce involves sin.  There are only two permissible grounds for divorce: adultery, based on the exceptive clause in Matthew 19:9, and desertion of the believing spouse by the unbeliever, based upon the so-called "Pauline Privilege" in I Corinthians 7:15.<ref> Understanding Protestant Churches of North America (2003) by Shelly Steig,</ref>  

 

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church Position Paper on Divorce & Remarriage (adopted at the 15th General Assembly, June 1995) states that,  

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church Position Paper on Divorce & Remarriage (adopted at the 15th General Assembly, June 1995) states that,  

[[Adultery]] is a radical breach of marital fidelity, violating the commitment of exclusive conjugal love...Christ's teaching is that if a divorce takes place on any other grounds than that of marital unfaithfulness, it can have no sanction from God, and any new marriage which follows is an adulterous act, since from God's standpoint the original couple is still married to each other. Matthew 19:9 indicates that a valid divorce (on the grounds of marital unfaithfulness) entails the right to remarry...

:[[Adultery]] is a radical breach of marital fidelity, violating the commitment of exclusive conjugal love...Christ's teaching is that if a divorce takes place on any other grounds than that of marital unfaithfulness, it can have no sanction from God, and any new marriage which follows is an adulterous act, since from God's standpoint the original couple is still married to each other. Matthew 19:9 indicates that a valid divorce (on the grounds of marital unfaithfulness) entails the right to remarry...

 

 

Desertion is the destruction of the marriage which the Christian spouse was unable to prevent. The believer in such a case is not bound (that is, he or she is free to divorce and remarry); for Paul says, "God has called us to live in peace." (1 Cor. 7:15)<ref>[http://www.epc.org/about-the-epc/position-papers/divorce--remarriage Position Paper on Divorce & Remarriage]</ref>

In 1992 the Presbyterian church stated in ''Minutes of the General Assembly" (p. 62) that divorce was allowed under Biblical grounds.

Due to the autonomous nature of the Southern Baptist churches, the largest Protestant denomination, there is no universal policy within the Convention that addresses divorce, though consistent with their general conservatism, they are expected to be strict, as historically it was.<ref>Divorce, annulments, and the Catholic Church, by Richard J. Jenks, Craig A Everett p. 29</ref> Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime.

Due to the autonomous nature of the Southern Baptist churches, the largest Protestant denomination, there is no universal policy within the Convention that addresses divorce, though consistent with their general conservatism, they are expected to be strict, as historically it was.<ref>Divorce, annulments, and the Catholic Church, by Richard J. Jenks, Craig A Everett p. 29</ref><ref> http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/amResolution.asp?ID=441</ref> One study showed that among Southern Baptists, the top five issues of concern were divorce (53 percent), negative influences from the media (38 percent), materialism (36 percent), absentee fathers (29 percent) and latch-key kids (23 percent).<ref>[http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A=158643&M=50011,00.html Divorce, Media & Materialism Top List of Threats to Family]</ref>

Liberal denominations tend to allow or advocate lesser restraints. Their position statements on such often lack substance.  

Liberal denominations tend to allow or advocate lesser restraints. Their position statements on such often lack substance.  

In a non-binding, declaration, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, without providing clear criteria  states,   

In a non-binding, declaration, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, without providing clear criteria  states,   

If after careful consideration the marriage relationship is deemed beyond repair, and the effects of continuing the marriage to be more destructive of the welfare or persons than divorce, the decision for divorce may be recognized as a responsible choice, the lesser of several evils in a fallen world....Remarriage of divorced persons is neither forbidden nor automatically endorsed by The American Lutheran Church.<ref>Teachings and Practice on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

:If after careful consideration the marriage relationship is deemed beyond repair, and the effects of continuing the marriage to be more destructive of the welfare or persons than divorce, the decision for divorce may be recognized as a responsible choice, the lesser of several evils in a fallen world....Remarriage of divorced persons is neither forbidden nor automatically endorsed by The American Lutheran Church.<ref>Teachings and Practice on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage. A Social Statement of the American Lutheran Church, a predecessor church body of the ELCA (1982)</ref>  

A Social Statement of the American Lutheran Church, a predecessor church body of the ELCA (1982)</ref> In ''Common Convictions'', adopted by the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on November 9, 1996, the section on "The ending of a marriage" ambiguously states,  

 

In ''Common Convictions'', adopted by the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on November 9, 1996, the section on "The ending of a marriage" ambiguously states,  

 

 

 

 

 

In some situations, however, divorce may be the better option.

The United Church of Christ holds[http://www.accsd.org/UCC.html] that

The United Methodist Church states[http://www.accsd.org/UnitedMethodist.html] that "When marriage partners are estranged beyond reconciliation, the church recognizes divorce as regrettable, but also recognizes the right of divorced persons to remarry."<ref>Ibid. Steig</ref>  

:Divorced and remarried persons are welcome to participate fully in the life of the church."<ref>Ibid. Steig</ref>  

In ancient time Roman [[Catholics]] could possibly obtain divorces for either of the two traditional reasons,<ref>Dissolution and annulment of marriage by the Catholic Church, by Eileen F. Stuart, p. 82</ref> Later Canon law does not admit divorce. [[Catholic Church|The Catholic Church]] has a process of [[annulment]] based on the non-fulfilment of any of the religious marriage requirements, such as individual freedom or a previous unmarried state. In addition, various other conditions are recognized as possible grounds for annulment. Technically, an annulment is not a divorce but a declaration that a valid marriage never took place. Current available statistics show 53,885 annulments were granted to Catholics in the United States<ref>Vatican's 2004 Statistical Yearbook of the Church</ref> and 638,705 from 1984 to 705, the large majority being for "defective consent", meaning deceit by one of the parties.<ref>What God has joined together, pp. 25,26, by Robert H. Vasoli</ref>  Other common grounds for annulment include "lack of due discretion" in choosing a spouse,  "psychic incapacity" to fulfill marital obligations, "defect of form", referring to a marriage that was not performed in the Catholic Church, and "prior bond", meaning one of the partners was married to someone else at the time of the wedding.<ref>John T. Catoir, J.C.D., "Understanding Annulments," St. Anthony Messenger, 1998; http://www.twopaths.com/faq_marriage.htm</ref>.  

In ancient time Roman [[Catholics]] could possibly obtain divorces for either of the two traditional reasons,<ref>Dissolution and annulment of marriage by the Catholic Church, by Eileen F. Stuart, p. 82</ref> Later Canon law does not admit divorce. [[Catholic Church|The Catholic Church]] has a process of [[annulment]] based on the non-fulfilment of any of the religious marriage requirements, such as individual freedom or a previous unmarried state. In addition, various other conditions are recognized as possible grounds for annulment. Technically, an annulment is not a divorce but a declaration that a valid marriage never took place. Current available statistics show 53,885 annulments were granted to Catholics in the United States<ref>Vatican's 2004 Statistical Yearbook of the Church</ref> and 638,705 from 1984 to 705, the large majority being for "defective consent", meaning deceit by one of the parties.<ref>What God has joined together, pp. 25,26, by Robert H. Vasoli</ref>  Other common grounds for annulment include "lack of due discretion" in choosing a spouse,  "psychic incapacity" to fulfill marital obligations, "defect of form", referring to a marriage that was not performed in the Catholic Church, and "prior bond", meaning one of the partners was married to someone else at the time of the wedding.<ref>John T. Catoir, J.C.D., "Understanding Annulments," St. Anthony Messenger, 1998; http://www.twopaths.com/faq_marriage.htm</ref>.  

In the 2004 Presidential election season many devout Catholics were scandalized by Senator [[John Kerry]], now married to his second wife, taking [[Communion|Holy Communion]] without having obtained an annulment. Some charge the Catholicism with engaging in deception by using annulments to circumvent its prohibition on divorce,<ref>Catholic Divorce: The Deception of Annulments, Pierre Hegy, Joseph Martos (Editors)</ref> while it is pointed out that the Bible considered people married even when joined under conditions which might quality as grounds for annulments.<ref>[http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/papalpresumption.html Papal Presumption]</ref>   

In the 2004 Presidential election season many devout Catholics were scandalized by Senator [[John Kerry]], now married to his second wife, taking [[Communion|Holy Communion]] without having obtained an annulment. Some charge the Catholicism with engaging in deception by using annulments to circumvent its prohibition on divorce,<ref>Catholic Divorce: The Deception of Annulments, Pierre Hegy, Joseph Martos (Editors)</ref> while it is pointed out that the Bible considered people married even when joined under conditions which might quality as grounds for annulments.<ref>[http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/papalpresumption.html Papal Presumption]</ref>   

   

   

The current catechism states,   

The current catechism states, in part,   

The remarriage of persons divorced from a living, lawful spouse contravenes the plan and law of God as taught by Christ. They are not separated from the Church, but they cannot receive Eucharistic communion.<ref>Catechism of the Catholic Church, (c) 1994, 1997; #1665</ref>

:The remarriage of persons divorced from a living, lawful spouse contravenes the plan and law of God as taught by Christ. They are not separated from the Church, but they cannot receive Eucharistic communion.<ref>Catechism of the Catholic Church, (c) 1994, 1997; #1665</ref>

== Secular view ==

== Secular view ==