Who Can Marry Whom?
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 S |
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 B† |
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 F† |
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 M† |
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J |
<——> |
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M† |
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J |
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J |
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 D |
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Joseph's second wife Mary was a widow. Mary died a few years ago. Joseph now wants
to marry Dorothy. Joseph's first wife, Sue, still is living. Sue previously had
been married to Bernard, now deceased, but who still was living at the time of
Sue's attempted marriage to Joseph. What do you tell Joseph? Does Joseph need
an annulment before he can marry Dorothy in the Church?
Analyze this case:
- What are the key facts of the case?
- Are there any other facts you would need or like to know?
- What are the key pastoral issues involved?
- What canons do you see as pertinent to this case?
- What literary, rhetorical & historical aspects of these canons are
important for their interpretation?
- What is your position in the parish?
- How would you resolve the case?
- What are the grounds for your decision?
- Briefly, what are the ethical, pastoral, and theological implications of
your decision?
Variations:
- What if Joe decides that he made a mistake when he divorced Sue, and now
has persuaded her to re-marry him?
- What if Dorothy is Joe's step-daughter, the daughter of Sue and Bernard?
- What if Dorothy is Joe's step-daughter, the daughter of Mary and her deceased
husband, Fred?