Question 266 – Does God will an abusive marriage?

Interview Organization: The Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima
Interviewer Name: Christopher Wendt
Date: March 14, 2024
The decision to separate in a marriage depends on the severity of the issues, such as health or violence risks. The Church permits temporary separation for serious reasons, like protecting oneself or children from physical or moral danger. The separated party must pray for the other, seek reparation, and remain open to reconciliation if the other party repents or seeks to try again.
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Transcript:

Yes, it depends on the extent of the problems, the crisis, and the dangers in the relationship, particularly in a marriage. If there is a real danger to health or if there is violence, it would be better to separate, but not divorce. The Church allows a temporary separation from common life.

However, there must be serious reasons for this such as protecting yourself and your children from physical harm or when there is a serious moral danger in the relationship and the shared life. In these cases, it may be appropriate to live separately for a determined period, depending on the severity of the dangers. But the person who is separating has the obligation to pray for the other, to do acts of reparation, and to always be ready to forgive. They should also be open to making an effort if the other person repents or suggests trying again to live together.