The dissolution of a civil marriage, as recognized by secular law, presents a complex issue within the Catholic Church. While civil dissolution ends a legally binding union in the eyes of the state, the Church views marriage as a sacrament, a sacred and indissoluble bond established by God. This divergence in perspective leads to specific canonical processes for those seeking to reconcile their marital status with Church teachings.
Understanding the Church’s perspective requires acknowledging its belief in the permanence of marriage, rooted in scriptural interpretations and theological doctrine. This stance stems from the conviction that the marital union reflects the union between Christ and the Church. Consequently, individuals who have undergone civil dissolution and wish to remarry within the Church, or reconcile their marital status with Church teachings, must navigate specific procedures, often involving declarations of nullity.