marriage and kids

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If th echurch doesn't see a marriage vaild. becuase both individuals were previously married and did not seek anulments. What is the the churches view on children from the new marriage?

-- andy (adrew75@hotmail.com), May 28, 2003

Answers

It depends largely on the subjective belief of the couple regarding the new marriage. Canon law states:

Canon 1061 §3 An invalid marriage is said to be putative if it has been celebrated in good faith by at least one party. It ceases to be such when both parties become certain of its nullity.

Canon 1137 Children who are conceived or born of a valid or of a putative marriage are legitimate.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), May 28, 2003.


You should also be aware that since 1983, Church law does not discriminate in any way against persons of illegitimate birth. And even before 1983, being illegitimate was no bar from being baptized, or confirmed, or receiving Holy Communion.

Note, however, that a priest may decline to baptize an infant if neither of the parents is a practicing Catholic. In your case (remarriage without annulment), this would mean attending mass regularly but not partaking of Holy Communion.

-- Mark (aujus_1066@yahoo.com), May 28, 2003.


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