8.197. Why do traditional Catholics reject annulments granted by the Novus Ordo “church”?
In traditional Catholic theology, a valid sacramental marriage is indissoluble until death (Matt. 19:6, Mark 10:9). An annulment—technically called a “declaration of nullity”—is not a “Catholic divorce,” but a solemn judgment by Church authority that no valid marriage ever existed in the first place due to a defect of consent, form, or impediment. For such a judgment to be valid, it must be made by competent, legitimate ecclesiastical authority, following the principles laid out in Canon Law, Sacred Scripture, and Tradition.
Traditional Catholics reject most post-Vatican II annulments because:
The post-Vatican II sect is not the Catholic Church: The “Catholic Church” that emerged from Vatican II is not the true Church but a counterfeit institution with false doctrines, invalid sacraments, and a false hierarchy. Therefore, its tribunals have no legitimate authority to issue binding annulments, just as a counterfeit court has no power to dissolve or judge real marriages.
Rampant abuse of annulments: After Vatican II, annulments skyrocketed from about 300 per year in the U.S. pre-1965 to over 60,000 annually in later decades. Many are granted for reasons unheard of in traditional teaching—like "lack of emotional maturity" or “psychological incompatibility”—effectively turning annulments into Catholic divorces in practice.
Change in understanding of marriage: The modern “church” has shifted from viewing marriage primarily as a sacrament ordered toward procreation and the mutual sanctification of spouses (Council of Trent, Canon 1 on Marriage), to a more emotional, self-fulfillment-centered union. This anthropocentric theology undermines the objective sacrament and leads to easier annulments.
Invalid sacraments: In many cases, the marriages being judged were performed by Novus Ordo “priests” who may themselves not be validly ordained (due to the changes in ordination rites after 1968), or took place under defective liturgical forms. Thus, even if the couple had the right intention, the investigation and judgment of the marriage by a false church remains void.
Lack of canonical form: Traditional Catholics hold that Canon Law must be observed in marriage, including proper form, publication of banns, permission from the bishop if needed, and so on. The modern Church often dispenses with these without proper reason.
Undermining the Faithful: Many faithful spouses who live in fidelity to difficult marriages are scandalized to see others obtain annulments with ease and remarry, even when the first marriage was visibly valid. This erodes the Church's witness and credibility.
Can traditional Catholics ever pursue annulments?
Yes—under certain conditions. If there is a serious question about the validity of a marriage, traditional Catholics can seek counsel from validly ordained traditional priests or bishops (i.e., those not in union with the Vatican II hierarchy). These clergy may conduct investigations in accordance with pre-Vatican II Canon Law (1917 Code), with due seriousness and moral certainty.
It must be understood, however, that without a functioning hierarchy with ordinary jurisdiction, such decisions are prudential and lack binding public authority. Still, they can give peace of conscience to the faithful, and the Church has always allowed private judgments in extraordinary times (cf. epikeia).
| Category | Traditional Catholic View | Novus Ordo View | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of Marriage | Sacramental, indissoluble, ordered to procreation and salvation | Emotional companionship, mutual fulfillment, flexible roles | Traditional view upholds Christ’s teaching in Matthew 19:6 |
| Authority to Judge | Legitimate Church tribunals with canonical authority | Modern tribunals of a false Church without true jurisdiction | Sedevacantist position: invalid “bishops” have no jurisdiction |
| Grounds for Nullity | Serious impediments: coercion, fraud, impotence, etc. | Psychological immaturity, poor communication, “lack of love” | Modern grounds often resemble divorce justifications |
| Annual Numbers | Hundreds worldwide | Tens of thousands annually | Over 90% of world’s annulments granted by U.S. Novus Ordo |
| Pastoral Attitude | Faithfulness to one’s vows even in hardship | Emphasis on “moving on,” remarriage, personal peace | Undermines witness of faithful spouses |
Summary:
The traditional Catholic Church holds that marriage is a sacred, indissoluble covenant. What God has joined together, man cannot put asunder (Matt. 19:6). From this, the Church has always taught that there can be no divorce and that even in the most difficult circumstances, a valid marriage endures until death.
An annulment, properly understood, does not end a marriage—it declares that a true sacramental bond was never formed in the first place. However, after Vatican II, the notion of annulment was corrupted in both doctrine and practice. What was once a rare and serious process became routine and casual. The explosion in annulments was not based on better pastoral care but on a degraded view of marriage, a lack of proper catechesis, and a desire to adapt to modern, secular standards.
Sedevacantists reject the post-Vatican II annulment process because it is carried out by a false “church” lacking legitimate authority. Its new marriage theology reflects the errors of modernism and humanism rather than fidelity to divine revelation. Because of this, traditional Catholics regard most Novus Ordo annulments as invalid, meaning the persons involved are not free to remarry in God’s eyes.
This view is not legalistic or heartless—it is faithful. Fidelity to truth sometimes means bearing the cross of a difficult marriage or separation. But it is far better to endure trials in the state of grace than to enjoy false peace in a state of sin.
For those with legitimate doubts about their marriage, traditional clergy may offer assistance using the principles of Canon Law and moral theology. These judgments, though not authoritative in a juridical sense during an interregnum, can give clarity and peace of conscience.
Ultimately, the Church is not free to redefine marriage. The Church receives the sacraments from Christ, and her job is to protect and dispense them—not to modify them for human convenience. The crisis of annulments is yet another symptom of the broader apostasy following Vatican II—a counterfeit Church that mimics the structure of the true Church while teaching and practicing error.
Traditional Catholics remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, the Apostles, and the Saints. This includes remaining faithful in marriage, even when the world (and sadly, the modern Church) calls for compromise.
Further Reading:
Catechism of the Council of Trent – Section on Matrimony
Canon Law (1917 Code), Canons 1012–1143
Arcanum Divinae Sapientiae (on Christian Marriage) – Pope Leo XIII
Casti Connubii (1930) – Pope Pius XI