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Marcia
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Hi, guys —
My situation is as follows: A Protestant friend married a Catholic in the Catholic Church. The marriage lasted less than a year and this couple was divorced. The Protestant has now met a Catholic girl and they want to get married in the Catholic Church.
- Does the Protestant need to apply for an annulment from the Catholic Church because of his first marriage to a Catholic?
Thank you.
Marcia
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{
If a Protestant was married to a Catholic in the Church, and divorced, is an annulment needed? }
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Paul replied:
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Marcia,
Since marriage is indissoluble by nature, the man's first marriage must be presumed valid until or unless a declaration of nullity is provided by the Church. That would declare that a marital bond never took place.
If an annulment is granted, then he may marry a Catholic in the Church.
Paul
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Marcia replied:
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Thank you Paul for responding so quickly.
- One more question, the former Catholic spouse is not likely to seek the annulment so can the Protestant apply to the Catholic Church for the annulment?
Marcia
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Mike replied:
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Hi Marcia,
You said:
- One more question, the former Catholic spouse is not likely to seek the annulment so can the Protestant apply to the Catholic Church for the annulment?
Yes, I believe they can. They would just have to go to the parish where they got married and start the proceedings.
Mike
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Fr. Jonathan replied:
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Hi, Marcia —
Mike's correct — the Protestant would apply. The priest assisting them can help them get the proper forms to begin the process.
Fr. Jonathan
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Marcia replied:
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Thanks to all three of you!
Marcia
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