That Kennedy Annulment…and others.
Some call it Catholic divorce.
The former wife of Joseph Kennedy II has an interesting article regarding annulments in the Catholic Church featured in the LA Times op-ed page. She claims that last year there were some 57,000 annulments granted in the U.S. alone. If true, that is a high number.
According to the former Mrs. Kennedy, it appears grounds for most annulments have been based upon Canon 1095, which covers those who are incapable of contracting marriage due to a lack of sufficient reason; grave lack of discretion of judgement; or those, because of psychological problems are unable to assume the obligations of marriage. Sheila Rausch Kennedy refers to this as the “loose canon” since canon lawyers seem to be able to twist a host of marital problems to fit into this category.
The right to appeal.
I only know a few Catholics who won an annulment, thus permitting them to remarry in the Church. From what they told me, there was a bit of wrangling to win their decree. In a couple of situations, the former spouse was not at all compliant in the process, which made things ugly. In one case, the woman was not in agreement with the decision, but obviously had no idea she could appeal, as Sheila Rausch Kennedy had done. (Although Mrs. Kennedy had to hire outside attorneys.)
Lacking discretionary judgement.
I have never been involved in an annulment process myself, so I can’t really speak to the issue. However, the one question I have about the Kennedy thing is this: If the Kennedy annulment was processed on the diocesan level, with Kennedy using Canon 1095 - which means he was either psychologically unfit, lacked a sufficient use of reason, or worse, discretionary judgement, what does this say about him? Assuming these were his grounds, how can he be qualified to serve as a politcian? Did he suddenly mature or find psychological stability after x-number of years? (He has served in Congress, and has had his eye on his uncle Ted’s Senate seat as well.)
July 17th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Some are going to say, based on the Kennedy-Rausch case, that annulments are too common and are granted too easily in the USA. Having watched one of my best friends go through the process, I have to say that it is anything but easy. I am so glad that my friend can now receive the sacraments. Of course the process is flawed. But is it possible to make it better, given the ugly facts of divorce?
July 17th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
I have a further question…if someone has that type of problem leading to the annulment of the marriage, then how likely is it that a priest in good conscience would allow them to have a new marriage.
I realize that in the case of 18 yr olds getting married or whatever, there is reason to believe they ‘grew out of it.’ But aside from that…
July 17th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
She claims that last year there were some 57,000 annulments granted in the U.S. alone. If true, that is a high number.
It could reflect, at least in part, Americans reflect the rule of law, such that a great many of them actually bother to get annulments. I bet a not unsubstantial number of these are converts in irregular marital situations.
Apart from that, would it really come as a surprise if there are a lot of invalid marriages in this decadent age?
July 17th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
I only know of a few situations where there were anullments and I know no details (which, unless one is related to one of the two persons, is probably the rule).
The Catholic Church in the U.S. at most comprises only about 6 percent of the population of the entire Catholic Church.
Yet I have read that the number of anullments granted by the bishops of the U.S. Church are greater than those granted by the rest of the world’s Catholic dioceses, combined.
I assume that they just don’t bother to apply in other countries.
I’m glad to see you posting. I’ve been holding my breath.
I think we can assume that the fireplug behind the local Catholic blogging society must be Cathy of Alex. We can’t let her off for any more vacations.
I understand her guy lost in the big race Sunday, so she might need some humoring to buck her up.
July 17th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Annulment - been there, done that. Never want to go there again.
The interview with the priest was like confession with no absolution.
My ex decided to be “helpful” (he is not Catholic) and wrote up a whole bunch of stuff. Glad I never had to meet the Tribunal staff….
(I was 18 when I got married the first time and he was 20….draw your own conclusions.)
September 8th, 2007 at 7:56 am
“I have a further “question…if someone has that type of problem leading to the annulment of the marriage, then how likely is it that a priest in good conscience would allow them to have a new marriage.”
EXACTLY
OH MY GOSH you have to read our story
Read it though and TRY NOT TO WEEP
Adding this comment to our blog!
July 18th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
It depends on how much money you give to the church if you want one.