By Mitch Finley | FāVS News Columnist
I am divorced and remarried without an annulment. Can I go to heaven?
That you are divorced, remarried and without a church annulment has nothing to do with your ultimate destiny. Yes, the Catholic Church has some requirements when it comes to divorce and remarriage.
Don’t let this get in your way, however. It’s a fact that a good many Catholics find in the annulment process great healing, peace of mind and in the end much joy.
But more than anything else, that you ask this question reveals that you would like to smooth things out between yourself and the Church. (Remember that for Catholics “Church” means all of us, not just priests, bishops, the pope, vowed religious, e.g. “nuns,” etc.)
Your best move would be to make an appointment with a parish priest to discuss your situation. If you want to be sure, in advance, that the priest you’ll be meeting with is compassionate and caring, ask around for suggestions among active Catholics you know.
Please just realize that whether you “go to heaven” or not has little if anything to do with your marital history.
Finally, you may want to take a look at a book I wrote for inactive Catholics and their family members and friends.
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The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News. FāVS News values diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis on matters of faith and spirituality.
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