For the same reason, they cannot exercise certain ecclesial responsibilities. Reconciliation through the sacrament of Penance can be granted only to those who have repented for having violated the sign of the covenant and of fidelity to Christ, and who are committed to living in complete continence. The separation of spouses while maintaining the marriage bond can be legitimate in certain cases provided for by canon law. Divorce is a grave offense against the natural law. It claims to break the contract, to which the spouses freely consented, to live with each other till death.
Divorce does injury to the covenant of salvation, of which sacramental marriage is the sign.
Divorce is immoral also because it introduces disorder into the family and into society. There is a considerable difference between a spouse who has sincerely tried to be faithful to the sacrament of marriage and is unjustly abandoned, and one who through his own grave fault destroys a canonically valid marriage. Adultery, divorce, polygamy, and free union are grave offenses against the dignity of marriage. 1997-2000 Chris Tesch. This Web site first loaded on July 10, 1997.