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Divorced Catholic and 1st time Lutheran

karynwagner
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Post #1 of 3 (1281 views)

Divorced Catholic and 1st time Lutheran

I am a divorced Catholic who was never married in the Catholic church. He has never been married and is Lutheran. Can we get married in a Lutheran church or do I need to convert?

startingover
MARRIAGE PREPARATION ADVISORS

Post #2 of 3 (1276 views)

Re: [karynwagner] Divorced Catholic and 1st time Lutheran [In reply to]

Congratulations on finding love again. It takes courage after divorce to reach out and try once more.

There should be no problem for you to marry in the Lutheran Church and still remain Catholic. Interchurch marriages take up about 40% of all marriages, so this is quite common. You will not need to convert.

As a Catholic, your marriage will not be recognized by the Catholic Church because you are once again marrying outside the Church. Your marriage will be considered valid and binding in the Lutheran Church, however.

Please talk with the Lutheran minister to see what other policies must be met. Also please consider pre-marital counseling to help you heal from the wounds of your divorce and be able to spot emotional baggage that could influence your future marriage.

May God guide you and bless you.
Kay and Dennis Flowers
Authors of
Catholic Annulment, Spiritual Healing

Fr. Anderson
EPISCOPAL PRIEST

Post #3 of 3 (1272 views)

Re: [karynwagner] Divorced Catholic and 1st time Lutheran [In reply to]

Karyn,

You're good to go as far as the Lutheran Church is concerned. If you are comfortable with that denomination there is room should you decide to join at a latter date. Both you and your future husband should discuss your "affiliations" and then make an appointment with the pastor. The RCIA does not recognize any marriage outside holy mother church so your first marriage doesn't count as far as RCIA doctrine is concerned. It wouldn't be an issue in the Episcopal Church as the only requirement is that one of you be Episcopal.

If you have questions by all means bring them up with the Lutheran Minister.

For now, best wishes in your future marriage.
Father Anderson, Episcopal Priest
http://www.fatheranderson.com

(This post was edited by the_admin on Oct 10, 2007, 12:11 PM)