Can a Catholic Who Has Remarried Without Annulment Receive Communion?

The question of whether a Catholic who has remarried without an annulment can receive Communion is a complex and often controversial one. The Catholic Church's stance on this topic has evolved over time, particularly since the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). This article aims to provide clarity on the current stance of the Church on this matter.

Understanding the Structure of Marriage in the Catholic Church

According to the doctrine of the Catholic Church, marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman, which is indissoluble. This means that once a valid marriage is contracted, it cannot be dissolved by human means. However, there are exceptions to this rule, which we will discuss later.

What Constitutes an Invalid Marriage?

The assumption is that a marriage is valid unless proven otherwise through an annulment process. An annulment (or declaration of nullity) is a canonical process that determines whether a marriage was invalid from the outset. Therefore, if a person's first marriage has not been annulled, they are considered to be in a valid marriage.

Practicing Your Faith and Seeking Guidance

According to the teachings of Vatican II, Catholics are encouraged to practice their faith in a way that they see fit, as long as it aligns with Church teachings and doctrine. However, certain guidelines and practices are still in place. For example, if a person believes their second marriage is simply an annulment of the first, they should not receive Communion as long as they are living in sin.

Conscience and Communion

The role of conscience is significant in determining a person's eligibility to receive Communion. If a person's well-informed conscience informs them that their second marriage is not adultery but a true marriage, they are not in mortal sin and may receive Communion. This is based on the principle that a person's good conscience is a strong defense against sin.

Special Cases and Recognition of Non-Catholic Marriages

The Church does not always recognize marriages that take place outside its sacramental framework. If a person's first marriage was not Catholic and ended in divorce, their later Catholic marriage would still be considered their first in the eyes of the Church. However, if a person was married in a Protestant rite after their initial Catholic marriage, it would be considered adultery as long as the person has made a vow to remain married in the Catholic Church.

It's important to note that such situations are not uncommon. For instance, Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is a case in point. He was previously married to two Anglican wives, but later remarried a Catholic wife in a full Catholic service, despite his previous marriages ending in divorce. This is possible because he was baptized Catholic, and he confessed before the second marriage, ensuring his spiritual integrity.

Post-Vatican II and Controversies

Following the Council, the Church's stance on remarriage and Communion has become more nuanced. However, interpretations vary, and some suggest that the teachings of the Magisterium (teaching authority of the Church) may have changed due to the influence of modern beliefs such as Freemasonry, communism, and homosexual lifestyles.

Conclusion

The question of whether a Catholic who has remarried without an annulment can receive Communion is one that requires a deep understanding of Catholic doctrine, as well as personal conscience and guidance from a priest. The Church's stance is that the validity of a marriage must be established, and that living in sin is a barrier to receiving Communion. It is always advisable to seek counsel from a knowledgeable and trusted priest or religious authority.

Keywords: Catholic Remarriage, Annulment, Communion Eligibility