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Emotional Abuse and Divorce

Question:

May an emotionally abused spouse seek a civil divorce and still receive Holy Communion?

Answer:

Yes.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

The separation of spouses while maintaining the marriage bond can be legitimate in certain cases provided for by canon law. If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense (2383).

The Code of Canon Law:

If either of the spouses causes grave mental or physical danger to the other spouse or to the offspring or otherwise renders common life too difficult, that spouse gives the other a legitimate cause for leaving (can. 1153 §1).

The Church does not require a spouse to stay in an emotionally abusive situation. Leaving is not only permitted but, especially in the case of children in the home, it may be a moral obligation.

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