Q: What is the church’s teaching on divorce? I have been married and am now divorced. I have met the love of my life and want to marry again, within the Catholic Church.

The Church believes that marriage is for ever. The Church also recognized that the breakdown of a marriage can be traumatic, and reaches out to those whose marriage has broken down, while upholding the permanence of a true Christian marriage.

As you have been married and divorced, and are looking to remarry, you will need to speak to the Church Marriage Tribunal (every diocese has one) to discuss your particular circumstances. It may be that your first marriage was not a valid sacramental marriage. This could be for a number of reasons.

The "annulment process" should it be necessary for your first marriage, can take some time. If this process results in a declaration of nullity then you are free to marry again in the Catholic Church.

It would be best for you to contact the Church Marriage Tribunal. A list of dioceses across Australia can be found here.