Dear Catholic Exchange:
My husband of 23.5 years and I were both divorced before this marriage. He is Catholic; I am not. When we married we were married by a Baptist minister. We are considering getting “remarried” on our 25th anniversary. What are our chances of getting married in the Church? It was suggested that my husband would have to get an annulment from his first wife. I am Episcopalian and divorced twice before. As a teenager I was very foolish. I appreciate any advice you can offer me.
Thank you,
Debbie Gordon
Dear Debbie,
Peace in Christ!
Jesus Christ reestablished marriage as an indissoluble covenant between two people — not limited to Catholics. Assuming that both of you believe that your previous relationships were not valid marriages, not only should your husband seek an annulment, but you should as well. You two can approach his pastor or the diocesan marriage tribunal directly and state your desire to regularize your marital status.
We have a few Faith Facts that provide further explanation:
Divorce and Remarriage: The Church's Perspective
United in the Faith,
Eric Stoutz
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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