Teaching on divorce doesn't evolve

To the editor:

Regarding the Rev. Tom Kiefer's comment that divorce in Catholicism can be confusing ("Evolution of divorce, the local view"), absolute divorce of parties in a Christian marriage is impossible.

The church has always held that a "ratified and consummated" marriage between two baptized individuals is indissoluble by any human power or cause, save for death.

There are no exceptions, and anyone who attempts to sever the bond and marry another commits adultery, an offense that, if unforgiven, warrants damnation: "Neither fornicators nor adulterers shall possess the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Far from an "exemption" of this unchanging doctrine is an annulment, which is a declaration that the marriage was never valid.

For a decree of nullity to be granted, at least one impediment must have existed at the exchange of vows that prevented the marriage, such as lack of intention, exclusion of the possibility of children or consanguinity.

This having been established and verified, a decree may be issued by a church tribunal which would free the couple to marry.

Insulting to the teaching of Christ is the notion that teaching on divorce can evolve.

This teaching was forever set by Christ, whose "words shall not pass." (Luke 21:33), and its authentic interpretation carried down throughout the ages by the Roman Catholic Church which he established.

In the midst of the moral ruins that surround the church, she joins with her master in stating anew: "What God has so joined, let no man put asunder." (Matthew 19:6)

BRANDON RUTH, St. Louis