We are told that real life is different from the dream of a perfect marriage because marriages break down and people separate and divorce.
Two thousand years after the same words were uttered and when marriage breakdowns happened then as they do now, we have finally come to the conclusion that there is no solution other than divorce. Adultery, violence and all other abuse existed then, also. Nothing new in that. Actually, abuse has existed since the creation of man. Jesus Christ spoke very clearly on this subject: those who re-marry will be committing adultery. Is this the modern 2011 solution for a marriage initiated in Church, with a solemn vow to respect each other till death separates the couple?
Shall we legitimise the second/third etc. marriage of the violent/abusive spouse to be able to form other families with a very good chance of repeated abuse? Shall we, all taxpayers, be made to foot the bill to cover the social benefits involved in the second and other marriages? Do you think that children born out of different marriages to one of the spouses will live in harmony? And what about the maintenance for the children − can one partner support more than one family? It would be erroneous for one to think so, with the exception of the wealthy few. This will result in a lot of poor children begging their grandparents, uncles and aunties for their necessities. Divorce is indeed a tool for the wealthy to have more than one family.
Much more than separation and cohabitation, divorce will have children change their bedroom according to the day of the week, possibly having to share with other unwanted children. Having to sleep in a house with a person who is not his/her parent has already resulted in many cases of sexual abuse − divorce will increase this also. We adults, have to defend these innocent victims from these predators. The children will not vote on 28 May and they are the silent voices in the divorce saga. We have to voice their silent cry to protect their lives. They are telling every mum and dad: be loyal to each other; to honour the commitment they made on their wedding day; to keep strong; to try and solve their problems asking God’s help; to love their partner faithfully even if it involves sacrifices and hardship. There is no marriage without problems but the secret for a successful marriage is very simple − love, love and love.
We cannot let our marriages, and future ones, be destroyed for the convenience of the abusive few. This will create an injustice for the happily married couples.
Michael Pule’
SANTA LUĊIJA