Female perception of the annulment of marriage in the Catholic Church

If one accesses the website of the Association of Separated and Divorced Catholics (ASDC) and selects the "annulment" tab it reads: "We are building up this page as quickly as possible. Because the annulment process attracts such very wide interest we are placing information about it on the website as soon as possible and updating it as we put more information together". This study is current and it is unique in examining the relationship between divorced female Catholics and the Catholic Marriage Annulment Process in England and Wales. A divorced female Catholic wishing to remarry in the Catholic Church must apply for a Marriage Annulment from her local Catholic Marriage Tribunal. The
Marriage Tribunal examines the Petitioners previous marriage through interviews and witness statements to see if there are grounds for granting an Annulment. A successful ruling for the Petitioner is not always guaranteed. Through professional practice and previous research (Masters Paper, Derby, 2002) the author is able to evidence that the Annulment Process is lacking in certain areas of professionalism and continuity and in the provision of appropriate emotional care for
female Catholic petitioners. The author will recommend the need for a review with regard to how the Catholic Marriage Tribunals in England and Wales currently operate (2010). This thesis examines issues concerning female perception of Catholic marriage and their perception of the Catholic Church and clergy. The thesis will highlight issues that will improve Marriage Tribunal practice such as: improved communication, the need for a more transparent approach to the Annulment Process and appropriate training for Tribunal staff and volunteers. It will recommend the implementation of
acceptable structures for improved emotional care and support of female Petitioners. The research methodology is qualitative and triangulation was used throughout the
study to validate material. The research tools include the following:

>A thorough literature search with regard to: the Catholic Annulment Process, Catholic teaching on marriage, the Catholic Church as an institution and the perception of Catholic clergy Two semi -structured questionnaires to forty six female Catholics of varying ages, inviting their comments and reflections as to how they perceive their role within the Catholic Church and their understanding of marriage in the Catholic Church.

>A comprehensive questionnaire to the twenty-two Catholic Marriage Tribunals of England and Wales to ascertain their current way of operating.

>A questionnaire given to seven Tribunal Auditors (volunteer statement takers) asking for comment on the responses given by the Marriage Tribunals.

> Five semi - structured interviews with female Catholics who have experience of the Annulment Process. The examination of three written accounts by females who have experienced
the Annulment Process. Female Catholics might perceive the Annulment Process more positively if the author's recommendations are put into practice and these recommendations are discussed in the final chapter.