Can a divorced non-Catholic become Catholic then marry in the Catholic Church?

Answer 1

We, as catholic christians, realize that we did not initiate our faith nor are we the perfectors of this faith. Without explanation, God has called us and through grace has been the one to initiate our faith. God will complete the good work he has started in us and bring us to perfection in Jesus Christ. So the question does not center around Catholicism, but rather, Christianity. God finds us where we are, in the mire of our circumstance, and works in us his redemptive work by changing us from the inside out. God knows that there is something (probably many somethings) in each of us that needs to change, but God, in meeting us where we are expects that we will be attentive to what he asks and he will never ask of us more than we can bear. The sacrifice of Jesus was for us, for our redemption. Through his sacrifice we are made clean, we become righteous, through faith in him. This is the teaching of the catholic church. Both Jesus and Saint Paul warned us about legalistic teachers and man made laws, that the redemptive work of Jesus was all it took. It's not about what you or I have done, it's not about the past. God will meet you where you are right now. If you accept our Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior, and have Faith in Him, you are saved. It's as simple as that. From that point on, a miracle happens, God transforms your life. So the answer to your question, If I were divorced, can I become a catholic? You are really asking can you become a christian. Of course! Who are we to question who God has called? Can you become a catholic? Of course! For the same reason.

Answer 2

Technically speaking, yes. However, the non-Catholic must have the first marriage annulled. Furthermore, the Catholic person can not have been previously married without getting that marriage annulled. However, there is one exception called the Pauline privilege. It comes from Corinthians 7:10-15 where it says, "To the married I give charge, not I but the Lord, that the wife should not separate from her husband ... and that the husband should not divorce his wife. To the rest I say, not the Lord, ... But if the unbelieving partner desires to separate, let it be so; in such a case the brother or sister is not bound." This means that if the non-Catholic was left by their former partner simply because they decided to become Catholic. However, this too is just simply grounds for an annullment which much be obtained before remarriage.

With the benefit of Pauline's Privilege, the previous marriage wouldn't have to be annulled as the person, in becoming Catholic, would be granted the right to marry "for the faith". Look up Pauline's Privilege .

Answer 3

Yes, of course.

ANSWER: Yes unless he is divorced and remarried. Then he must obtain an annulment from his first marriage in order to participate fully in the Catholic Sacraments.

Answer 4

Absolutely. The word, "Catholic" translates to, "Universal." The religion is for anyone. It is never impossible to become catholic. The religion of your spouse can never hinder your ability to do so.

Answer 5

Yes, because Catholic religion only recognizes the Catholic marriage, so if a non-catholic was married previously in another faith's ceremony and then divorced, that person was never married in the Catholic faith. They are eligible to be married to a single Catholic.

Roman Catholic AnswerThe divorced person would need to speak to a priest, it would be entirely dependent on whether their marriage was a valid sacramental marriage or not. If it was not, then they could apply for an annulment (an official Church ruling that no valid marriage had taken place) and would be free to marry. The Catholic Church does recognize a number of marriages that are not Catholic has valid.

Answer 6

A non-Catholic divorcee needs to ask him or herself why he/she really wants to join the church. It seems you've gotta be pretty desperate when you, with two marks against you, being a non-Catholic (pariah), and being divorced, are interested in joining the Catholic church. Technically one should be able to, but it is unlikely that one would be accepted.

Roman Catholic AnswerOf course you may join the Church! Your marital situation has nothing to do with believing in Our Lord and Savior. If you have remarried after your divorce then you will certainly have to have the situation looked into, but that would not be a bar to your becoming Catholic; if you are remarried, you may not be able to receive Holy Communion until your marital situation has been clarified, you need to speak to a priest about that, in the meantime, welcome.

Answer 7

Yes, your married (or unmarried) state does not affect whether you can become Catholic or not.