Abuse violates God's plan for marriage

By Cathy Gilligan
Special to Arkansas Catholic

The law of the Church is clear. Any marriage that has ended civilly and has no hope of reconciliation can be challenged by either spouse. Only a Tribunal of the Catholic Church can determine the merit of a case. Nothing limits a person's ability to approach the Tribunal to request a review of an abusive marriage.

The Church sees any form of abuse on a person as a serious offense against the law of God. Canon law states: "If either of the spouses causes grave mental or physical danger to the other spouse or to the offspring ... that spouse gives the other legitimate cause for leaving." (Canon 1153:1)

God made us in his image. He is our father and he demands that in all that we do, we show respect and love for each other.

In marriage, the couple commits themselves to love and honor each other for the rest of their lives. The love between a man and a woman is made holy in the sacrament of marriage and becomes the mirror of God's everlasting love.

In the nuptial blessing the priest says, "Lord, grant that as they begin to live this sacrament they may share with each other the gifts of your love and become one in heart and mind as witnesses to your presence in their marriage."

The abuse of one spouse by the other is NOT a reflection of God's love. God demands that we respect each other in mind, body and spirit. Any form of spousal abuse makes a mockery of the loving tenderness that is at the center of God's everlasting love.

No one ever deserves to be abused.

No ever asks to be abused.

No one merits abuse in the eyes of God.

Therefore, no one can ever deserve abuse in the eyes of another human being.

Cathy Gilligan is director of the Tribunal for the Diocese of Little Rock.

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