2.7.4

Divorce & Remarriage in the Church of England

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Divorce & Remarriage in the Church of England

Illustrative background for Traditional viewIllustrative background for Traditional view ?? "content

Traditional view

  • In Christianity, marriage is a sacred promise made before God.
  • The Church of England teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment between two people.
    • The wedding ceremony includes the words: “Till death us do part.”
  • Traditionally, Christians believed that marriage should never be broken, except in very serious cases.
Illustrative background for ChangesIllustrative background for Changes ?? "content

Changes

  • In the past, divorce was rare and shameful.
  • Many people stayed in unhappy marriages because of social pressure or religious expectations.
  • Over time, those expectations have changed.
    • Not all marriages work out, and it's ok for people to start again.
  • Laws in the UK changed to make divorce more accessible and fair, especially for women.
Illustrative background for Modern viewIllustrative background for Modern view ?? "content

Modern view

  • Since 2002, the Church of England has allowed divorced people to remarry in church in certain circumstances.
  • The decision is left to the individual vicar. The vicar decides whether a remarriage can take place.
  • This change shows how the Church has tried to balance traditional teachings with modern compassion.
Illustrative background for Religion and societyIllustrative background for Religion and society ?? "content

Religion and society

  • Some Christians still believe marriage should remain lifelong. They do not support remarriage in the church.
  • Other Christians believe the Church should continue to adapt to reflect modern family life. They support remarriage in the church.
  • This shows how religion and society influence each other.

Jump to other topics

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.4Disciplinary Knowledge

2Year 8

2.1Islam

2.2Hindu Dharma (Hinduism)

2.3Buddhism

2.4Sikhi

2.5Atheism

2.6Philosophy of Religion

2.7Disciplinary Knowledge

3Year 9

3.1Life & Death

3.2Extremism

3.3Equality

4Additional Concepts

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