I was converted to catholicism before I married my catholic wife in a civil and church ceremony in Indonesia. While in the UK my wife filed for divorce on the grounds of adultery. If I get a civil divorce in the UK, can I get married in a civil ceremony to a non catholic, regardless of what my wife intends to do? I am not a practicing catholic and have no intention of embracing catholicism

-- David Rajah (drajah@btinternet.com), April 20, 2003

Answers

Response to Having been married in a catholic ceremony, can I remarry after a civil divorce

Jmj

Hello, David.

You asked: "If I get a civil divorce in the UK, can I get married in a civil ceremony to a non catholic, regardless of what my wife intends to do?"

The question is not "can" you, but "should" you?

Of course, you "can" go through a civil ceremony, since I assume that British law would permit it. But the Church would not recognize that ceremony as initiating a valid marriage, because you would still be married to your Catholic wife. [Divorce is incapable of dividing what God has joined together, and we presume that He joined the two of you, until the contrary has been proved to a marriage tribunal.]

The answer to the proper question is, "No, you should not attempt to 'remarry.'"
You should seek a reconciliation with your wife. If this proves to be impossible, both you and your wife have the right, after the divorce is final, to ask the Church to determine whether or not you were truly and validly married in the first place. If you were not, then you will be free to marry ... but if you were, you will not be free to marry until your wife dies.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), April 21, 2003.