MARRIAGE LAWS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20649, 25 June 1935, Page 15

MARRIAGE LAWS.

Statement of Roman Catholic Views. The laws of marriage as interpreted by the Homan Catholic Church were the subject of an address delivered to the Canterbury College Catholic' Students’ Guild by the Rev Father J. Maguire last night. The marriage state had a two-fold definition—that of a simple contract and that of a sacramental contract with the sanction of the Church, stated Father Maguire. In the eyes of the Church it was a permanent union between a man and a woman for the primary purpose of begetting and educating children. Marriage was subject to four laws—the natural law, which was concerned with the end in view; the law of the Word of God, as set out in Revelation; the law of the Church; and the law of the State. Christian teaching postulated the indissolubility of marriage in accordance with natural law. Though not necessary to the begetting of children, permanency in • marriage was essential to their education. Divine law and ecclesiastical law also demanded permanency in marriage, for it had been said, "Whom God lias joined together, Jet no man put asunder.” “ Natural law is an indirect expression of God’s word,” said Father Maguire. “None can question the right of a Creator to dictate to the beings he has created the laws under which they shall live.” “The Catholic Church fs opposed to the modern doctrine of birth control, or to any interference with the primary end of marriage,” said Father Maguire. "The only control the Church will sanction is complete abstinence.”