Marriage | Separation
Many countries currently influenced by the Roman Catholic Church have a large number of followers living separately from their spouses. Separation is encouraged so that one might lawfully participate in Eucharistic communion. Separation is not encouraged in the Bible, but neither is living in a marriage that is causing harm through marital unfaithfulness. The Roman Catholic religion promotes a yoke of laws too burdensome to bear. Only the grace of Jesus Christ can liberate from these bonds of despair. The Lord Jesus appeals, Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
The Catechism Says:
Para 2383 The separation of spouses while maintaining the marriage bond can be legitimate in certain cases provided for by canon law…
Para 1649 Yet there are some situations in which living together becomes practically impossible for a variety of reasons. In such cases the Church permits the physical separation of the couple and their living apart. The spouses do not cease to be husband and wife before God and so are not free to contract a new union. In this difficult situation, the best solution would be, if possible, reconciliation. The Christian community is called to help these persons live out their situation in a Christian manner and in fidelity to their marriage bond, which remains indissoluble.
The Bible Says:
1 Corintians 7:10-14 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.1 Corintians 7:10-14 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
Regarding marriage the Roman Catholic Church challenges Scriptural authority. Only God alone, who is the author of marriage, has the ability to regulate it. The unscriptural laws of the Church bind a Catholic individual. Rome even goes so far as to tie one’s marital status to one’s salvation (see Divorce and Annulment). This pharisaical system continues to heap heavy burdens on God’s people. The Bible clearly specifies that the Christian is not to seek a separation from one’s spouse. God’s Word is so written to encourage the offended party to reconcile the marriage by forgiving the repentant spouse. However, one is not bound to the marriage if the departing spouse is not a believer in the Word of God. Please remember, dear reader, that your marital state does not prevent the grace of God from working in your life.