The teachings of the Roman Catholic Church maintain marriage as a sacred covenant, established by God, supposed to be a lifelong, indissoluble union. Consequently, the Church views the ending of a legitimate, sacramental marriage with grave seriousness. Whereas civil divorce might legally dissolve a wedding, the Church maintains that it doesn’t dissolve the sacramental bond within the eyes of God. An annulment, then again, is a declaration by the Church {that a} legitimate, sacramental marriage by no means existed attributable to some obstacle current from the start.
The importance of this attitude stems from the Churchs understanding of marriage as a mirrored image of the union between Christ and the Church. Sustaining the permanence of marriage is seen as important for the steadiness of households and society. Traditionally, this stance has been constant, rooted in interpretations of scripture and custom. The Church acknowledges the ache and complexity surrounding marital breakdown, providing pastoral care and help to these experiencing divorce and separation. This help goals to supply non secular steerage, counseling, and alternatives for therapeutic.