The Impediments of Matrimony
The Impediments of Matrimony
Impediments to matrimony are obstacles or restrictions imposed by the law of God or the Church for the welfare of society and for the protection of the matrimonial bond. When impediments exist, the Church may either forbid the administration of the sacrament or completely require special assurance that the dangers will be reduced as much as possible. In the latter case of matrimonial dispensation may be granted.
Some of the impediments to marriage are,
1. An existing marriage
One who is married already cannot marry again while the other party is still living.
2. Coercion
Contracting parties must give their consent freely. Forcing either party to marry against his or her will, gives rise to impediment.
3. Below are requirement
Boys and girls below the canonical and legal age are forbidden to take marriage bows.
4. Blood relationship
The Church forbids the marriage of close relatives to enforce the respect due to blood relations and to prevent the birth of physically and mentally defective children, often found to result from such marriages.
5. Close Affinity
A widow or widower cannot marry the blood relation in the direct line of his or her spouse.
6. Holy orders, solemn vows and simple vows
Men who have taken major orders, monks and nuns who have taken a solemn vow of chastity, and those who have taken vows of virginity, chastity or celibacy cannot contract a valid marriage.
7. Disparity of worship
The impediment refers to parties who have different religious beliefs.
8. Spiritual affinity
Sponsors in baptism cannot marry their godchildren without dispensation. A lay person cannot marry the person to who he or she had administered lay baptism.
9. Legal relationship]
This refers to those who, by civil law, are incapable of contracting marriage because of a legal relationship arising from adoption.
10. Other impediments
This includes imbecility, crime, etc.
Impediments to matrimony are obstacles or restrictions imposed by the law of God or the Church for the welfare of society and for the protection of the matrimonial bond. When impediments exist, the Church may either forbid the administration of the sacrament or completely require special assurance that the dangers will be reduced as much as possible. In the latter case of matrimonial dispensation may be granted.
Some of the impediments to marriage are,
1. An existing marriage
One who is married already cannot marry again while the other party is still living.
2. Coercion
Contracting parties must give their consent freely. Forcing either party to marry against his or her will, gives rise to impediment.
3. Below are requirement
Boys and girls below the canonical and legal age are forbidden to take marriage bows.
4. Blood relationship
The Church forbids the marriage of close relatives to enforce the respect due to blood relations and to prevent the birth of physically and mentally defective children, often found to result from such marriages.
5. Close Affinity
A widow or widower cannot marry the blood relation in the direct line of his or her spouse.
6. Holy orders, solemn vows and simple vows
Men who have taken major orders, monks and nuns who have taken a solemn vow of chastity, and those who have taken vows of virginity, chastity or celibacy cannot contract a valid marriage.
7. Disparity of worship
The impediment refers to parties who have different religious beliefs.
8. Spiritual affinity
Sponsors in baptism cannot marry their godchildren without dispensation. A lay person cannot marry the person to who he or she had administered lay baptism.
9. Legal relationship]
This refers to those who, by civil law, are incapable of contracting marriage because of a legal relationship arising from adoption.
10. Other impediments
This includes imbecility, crime, etc.