While most modern legal systems allow for divorce, several religions traditionally view marriage as an indissoluble bond (a union that cannot be broken by humans). In these faiths, while a couple may separate legally under civil law, the religion itself may not recognize the divorce, or may make the process extremely difficult.
Here is a breakdown of religious stances on divorce:
1. Catholicism (Roman Catholic Church)
The Roman Catholic Church is the most well-known major religious institution that does not recognize divorce.
- The Belief: Marriage is considered a “sacrament”—a divine bond sealed by God. Based on the scripture, “What God has joined, no man shall put asunder,” a valid marriage is seen as ending only upon the death of a spouse.
- The Alternative (Annulment): Since they don’t “divorce,” the Church uses a process called Annulment. This is not a “religious divorce”; rather, it is a legal finding by a church tribunal that the marriage was never valid to begin with (due to reasons like lack of intent, coercion, or psychological incapacity).
- Consequences: A divorced Catholic who remarries without an annulment is considered to be living in “adultery” and may be barred from receiving Holy Communion.
2. The Orthodox Church
While the Eastern Orthodox Church views marriage as eternal, it does acknowledge human frailty.
- Conditional Allowance: They do not “approve” of divorce, but they tolerate it to avoid further sin or harm.
- The Limit: They generally allow for a maximum of three marriages. A third remarriage is seen as a concession to those who cannot remain single.
3. Hinduism (Traditional/Scriptural View)
In ancient Vedic philosophy, marriage is a Sanskar (sacrament) and a bond that lasts for seven lifetimes.
- Religious Stance: Traditional Hindu scriptures (Dharmashastras) do not provide a specific procedure for divorce because the bond was intended to be permanent.
- Modern Reality: In India, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, completely changed this by providing legal grounds for divorce. While the religion lacks a divorce ritual, the law governing Hindus fully permits it.
4. Religions with Strict “Clerical” Restrictions
Some smaller or more conservative sects make divorce nearly impossible through social or religious pressure:
- Orthodox Judaism: While divorce is allowed, it requires a document called a “Get.” Under Jewish law, a husband must voluntarily give the Get to his wife. If he refuses, the woman becomes an “Agunah” (a chained woman) who is civilly divorced but religiously unable to remarry.
- Mormonism (LDS Church): Couples “sealed” in a temple are believed to be married for eternity. While they can get a civil divorce, getting a Temple Seal Cancellation is a rigorous and often difficult spiritual process.
Summary Comparison
| Religion | Is Divorce Recognized? | Key Mechanism |
| Catholicism | No | Requires a “Decree of Nullity” (Annulment). |
| Hinduism | No (Scripturally) | Governed by civil law (Hindu Marriage Act). |
| Islam | Yes | Permitted but considered “the most disliked of all permissible things.” |
| Judaism | Yes | Requires a religious document (Get) from the husband. |
| Buddhism | Yes | Viewed as a secular contract; no religious prohibition. |
The Civil vs. Religious Gap: In the 21st century, the laws of the country usually override religious prohibitions. For example, a Catholic in The Philippines or Vatican City (the only two places where civil divorce is largely unavailable) faces a much harder time than a Catholic in New York or New Delhi.
Are you looking for the specific legal grounds for divorce within a certain country, or the theological arguments behind these rules?