[NYer]

If Kerry did not receive an annulment, then he is not married in the Catholic Church and cannot receive the sacraments. But even if he was annulled, did he and Teresa Heinz get married in the Catholic Church following the annulment? If not, then Kerry is not married in the Church, thus raising all sorts of questions.”

Understanding Annulments

Catholic Ping - let me know if you want on/off this list

[TheSpottedOwl]

“Why does this matter? If Kerry did not receive an annulment, then he is not married in the Catholic Church and cannot receive the sacraments. But even if he was annulled, did he and Teresa Heinz get married in the Catholic Church following the annulment? If not, then Kerry is not married in the Church, thus raising all sorts of questions.”

It's a character issue. To non Catholics, this isn't a big deal. To Catholics who know the rules, this indicates a serious problem with this person. To us, he has no credibility as a Catholic, therefore no credibility in any other area. You know, like the Kennedys ;-)

[Victoria Delsoul]

If Kerry did not receive an annulment, then he is not married in the Catholic Church and cannot receive the sacraments. But even if he was annulled, did he and Teresa Heinz get married in the Catholic Church following the annulment? If not, then Kerry is not married in the Church, thus raising all sorts of questions.

From your previous link…

"Annulments are given in other less complicated cases where it is not necessary to go to trial. For instance, if it is discovered that a man was validly married to someone else before he married the petitioner, but lied to his wife, the second marriage will be nullified on the grounds of ligamen, which is Latin for a "prior bond." These cases are settled rather quickly in an administrative process which involves little more than documentary evidence.

"The same type of administrative process is used when Catholics marry outside the Church. This is called a declaration of nullity based on a "defect of form." The couple did not exchange vows before a priest and two witnesses in a Catholic church as is required by canon law. When Catholics fail to observe this law, the marriage is invalid. These "defect of form" cases account for more than half of all the annulments granted in the Catholic Church.