Does the Church’s Position Matter to Your Divorce?
As someone getting divorced in Virginia – or on the verge of separation – you may not have much interest in the Catholic Church’s official position on the subject. Even if you and your spouse are Catholic, Rome’s edicts may have little to no impact on your decision to end the marriage.
However, millions of Catholics around the globe, including here in Virginia, care deeply about the Pope’s position on family matters.
The Upcoming Synod and Potential Changes
All eyes will be watching when Pope Francis addresses a gathering of Church officials (known as a “synod”) later this month. The question on everyone’s mind: Will the pontiff alter the Church’s attitudes toward marriage and annulments?
Pope Francis has already earned a reputation as a reformer. For example, regarding contraception, he recently stated, “the question is not whether to change the doctrine, but to go deeper and make sure that pastoral care takes account of situations and what each person is able to do.”
He also recently officiated nearly two dozen weddings, including those for couples who had cohabited prior to marriage and a woman who had a daughter from a prior relationship.
Reactions to Pope Francis’s Reforms
Not all cardinals are pleased with Pope Francis’s actions. Prior to the October synod, some hardline cardinals published a book titled “Remaining in the Truth of Christ: Marriage and Communion in the Catholic Church,” which many have interpreted as a critique of Pope Francis’s softer positions on divorce and marriage.
The Evolving Nature of Marriage
How the Church’s stance will evolve over the coming months or years is anyone’s guess. This ongoing discussion highlights the dual nature of marriage: it is both an intimate, private act and a public act that affects families, communities, and society at large.
Need Help Navigating Your Divorce?
If you have been struggling with divorce, child custody, or other family law issues, our Fairfax, Virginia divorce attorneys would be happy to provide a confidential consultation to explain your rights and help you figure out your next steps. Call us today at (888) 530-4374.