1. Divorce

2. Divorce in Britain Around 180,000 people seek a divorce every year. There are now more than 1.2 million single-parent families in the UK. Many couples no longer see marriage as a life-long commitment. The popularity of divorce has devalued marriage. 25% of men and women are cohabiting (living together without marrying).

3. Changes in divorce laws over the years. 1534 - divorce only allowed by act of parliament. 1857 - divorce only allowed on grounds of adultery. 1937 - divorce allowed on grounds of desertion, cruelty and insanity. 1969 – allowed on grounds of “irretrievable breakdown” and divorce made cheaper.

4. Divorce rates Over the last 10 years the average age at divorce in England and Wales has risen from 39.6 to 43.1 years for men and from 37.0 to 40.6 years for women, partly reflecting the rise in age at marriage.

5. Bible not clear about divorce: Matthew’s gospel Jesus says that a man is only allowed to divorce his wife if she has been unfaithful. In Mark’s gospel divorce is not allowed at all. “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery.” Christians therefore disagree over whether marriage should be allowed.

6. The Roman Catholic church teaches that married couples can separate, but they cannot get divorced. Neither partner may pursue a relationship with another person – this is adultery. They could get a legal divorce, but in the eyes of the church and God they are still married. “What God has joined man cannot separate”

7. Marriage is a sacrament – God has joined the couple spiritually. If they choose to get married again or live with someone they cannot have Holy communion. Because they are living in sin. The marriage is only ended in death – “Til death do us part”

8. Annulment If, after an investigation, a marriage is shown not to have been valid in the eyes of the Church, an annulment may be granted to a couple. This is not the same as divorce because the Church is simply saying that the marriage didn’t really exist in the first place.

9. There are twelve reasons for granting an annulment: One partner was forced into the marriage On partner suffered from mental problems at the time of the marriage. One partner never intended to keep the vows One of the partners was not baptised at the time of the marriage One of the partners withheld serious information at the time of the marriage – e.g. they had a serious illness or could not have children.

10. The Church of England They teach that if the couple have tried everything to save their marriage but with no success then divorce can be allowed and they can remarry. Christians are allowed forgiveness and a chance of a new start even where marriage is concerned. If they want to remarry in church however, it is up to the individual vicar.

11. How does the church respond to divorce? Marriage preparation courses are given to those planning to marry. Marriage guidance counselling is offered to those experiencing difficulties. Prayer.

12. a)Describe Christian beliefs about divorce. C)“Divorce is often the best solution” “Marriage should be for life and divorce should never be allowed.” “Divorce is never right” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer and show you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in you answer