The Church’s treatment of the divorced and remarried

This is one area of pastoral care to which the 2014 session of the Synod paid much attention. The Synod reaffirmed the indissolubility of marriage (§ 21). At the same time it recognised there is a problem.

“The Church, a sure teacher and caring mother, recognizes that the only marriage bond for those who are baptized is sacramental and any breach of it is against the will of God. At the same time, the Church is conscious of the weakness of many of her children who are struggling in their journey of faith. “Consequently, without detracting from the evangelical ideal, they need to accompany with mercy and patience the eventual stages of personal growth as these progressively occur. […] A small step in the midst of great human limitations can be more pleasing to God than a life which outwardly appears in order and passes the day without confronting great difficulties. Everyone needs to be touched by the comfort and attraction of God’s saving love, which is mysteriously at work in each person, above and beyond their faults and failings” (Gaudium Evangelii, 44). See Synod Report § 24.

Background information

Dates 1991

Prof Michael Hornsby-Smith published research into the attitudes of Catholics in the United Kigdom.

On Personal Morality see here On Divorce, see here Attitudes to Papal Teaching and Authority seen here