1. Why do some marriages fail?
In this lesson you will:
Consider what causes marriages to fail
Consider what help a religious community could offer to a couple experiencing marriage problems.

2. The following are the top 9 reasons given for divorce in Britain: Step-Parenting Physical or Verbal Abuse Children Sexual Problems Unfaithfulness Lack of communication Work Continual arguments Financial problems
Which one is the cause of most divorces?
How would you rank the 9 reasons?

3. Lack of
communication
The reason that
has caused
the most divorces.
Continual
arguments
Unfaithfulness
Financial
problems
Work
Sexual
problems
Children
Physical or
Verbal abuse
How did you do?
Make any
corrections that
you need to.
Step
Parenting

4. Divorce Today
Until 1857 a divorce could only be granted as a act of Parliament. In 1858, the first year of divorces through the ordinary courts, 244 were granted. Today the UK has one of the highest divorce rates in the World, with 40% of all marriages ending in divorce.
In 1998 the Divorce Law made it easier and less painful to get a divorce, although couples are encouraged to go for counselling beforehand.

5. Before a court can grant a divorce, it has to be shown that the marriage has broken down.
A marriage is broken down if one of the following can be proved:
The UK has one of the highest divorce rates in the world.
Unreasonable behaviour.
Divorce – some facts!
Two years desertion
In 1974 there were 113,000 divorces.
Adultery (having an affair).
In 2005 there were 142,000 divorces.
The couple have lived apart for two years and the other spouse consents to divorce.
The couple have lived apart for five years (no consent is needed).

6. So what does the Church have to say about divorce?
Learning Objectives:
To know that Protestants and Catholics have different views about divorce.
To understand the teaching on divorce in the Bible.

7. Divorce Annulment Key terms
The legal dissolving of a marriage so that partners are free to marry someone else.
A declaration that the marriage never existed. It is the only way a Catholic marriage can be ended.

8. Two views on divorce in the Bible
Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and
marries another woman commits adultery.“ Matthew 19:8- 9
When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she
commits adultery."
Mark 10:10-12

9. How Can the Religious Communities Help?
Religious leaders can offer advice and help to the couple.
Other couples within the religious community can offer support or help.
Prayers may be offered for the couple.
The couple may be reminded of the vows they made before God to stay together through good and bad times till they died.