1. What is your opinion on divorce? Starter Question The title is Divorce. Write this in the front of your books. Give reasons for your view.

2. Today’s Focus… 1.To know and understand some key facts on divorce. 2.To know and understand different Christian attitudes to divorce. 3.To think about why people get divorced and consider your own opinion on the subject.

3. Key terms Divorce Annulment The legal dissolving of a marriage so that partner are free to marry someone else. A declaration that a valid marriage never existed.

4. Before a court can grant a divorce, it has to be shown that the marriage has broken down. In 1974 there were 113,000 divorces. Divorce – some facts! In 2002 there were 160,000 divorces. A marriage is broken down if one of the following can be proved: Adultery (having an affair). Unreasonable behaviour. Two years desertion The couple have lived apart for two years and the other spouse consents to divorce. The couple have lived apart for five years (no consent is needed). The UK has one of the highest divorce rates in the world.

5. Reasons for divorce? When people seek a divorce they give many reasons. Some of them are: “We aren’t really suited to each other.” “There’s no spark left, we don’t get excited by being together.” “She’s had an affair with her boss.” “We’ve fallen out of love.” “He hits me.” “She’s unreasonable.” Tasks a)Do you think all these reasons are valid? b)What do you think “unreasonable behaviour” is? c)Read the Quick Court article – what do you make of it? Does it make divorce too easy?

6. Two views on divorce Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.“ Matthew 19:8- 9 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." Mark 10:10-12

7. Catholic Views on Divorce... The Catholic Church teaches (catechism) that marriage is a lifelong commitment between two people. This belief is reflected in the marriage vows – ‘until death do us part’ and in the rings which symbolise the eternal nature of marriage. It also says in the bible ‘what God has joined man must not separate’. This is why the Catholic Church teaches that divorce is wrong. Catholics believe that a couple legally divorce they are still married in the eyes of the church and therefore will be committing adultery if they remarry.

8. What the Bible says... When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." Mark 10:10-12

9. Annulment Reasons for Annulment… One partner was forced Important info was withheld One was not baptised Didn’t intend to keep the vows Suffered mental probs Task: For each of the 5 reasons give an example Extension: Explain why this is a valid reason for annulment

10. Quaker Views on Divorce... Is acceptable in certain circumstances. A couple will be offered support from other members to try and reconcile the couple. The couple are encouraged to divorce with minimum of fuss and hostility. This is particularly the case if children are involved because they need stability and love. Whilst the Quakers recognise divorce, it is seen as a failure - not only by the couple, but also by the people who silently promised during the wedding ceremony to help them. Already-divorced people are able to marry within a Quaker meeting, as long as they are legally free to do so and have satisfied the members that they are ready to make this commitment. A Quaker wishing to be remarried must explain their situation before the members at a monthly meeting, to get permission to re-marry in front of the meeting. The marriage may only take place once this has been granted.

11. Religious Views on Divorce Pick one of the Christian views and write a sermon (talk given in a service) on that denomination’s view of divorce and remarriage in church. Ex: Do you sympathise with any of these views? If yes why, if no why not? Refer to Christian teachings such as forgiveness. Start – “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy spirit, Amen. Today I am going to talk to you about divorce…”

12. Plenary What has this lesson made you think about?