No Catholic wants to become a divorce statistic.

People marry because they believe they will defy the odds. Why else would they challenge not only Catholic but overall divorce rates?

They do this because they believe in true love. They believe in the Sacrament of Matrimony.

They believe that God is the author of marriage and that ‘what therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder.’

But people are human. Marriages struggle and some work together to overcome the odds and some work solely and therefore, become the odds.

What are the current Catholic statistics on divorce?

1. 25% of American Catholics who have ever been married have been divorced
2. That is 11 million people
3. Or 1 in 4 Catholics
4. Only 15% of this 28% indicate that they have sought an annulment
5. 1 in 10 who have divorced are now remarried

Are Catholic divorce rates still lower than the general public? Yes

There is hope for divorcing Catholics.

In addition to Pope Francis and his annulment reform, a large number of Catholics seem receptive to many nontraditional relationships.

A 2015 Pew Research Center Survey of Catholic Views on Family Life found that U.S. Catholics want the church to be welcoming to people living in a variety of nontraditional arrangements.

The study found that 6 in 10 Catholics say they believe the church should allow those who are divorced and have remarried without an annulment to receive communion.

This is welcome and encouraging news for divorcing Catholics. A faith that is incredibly strong with 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. saying they are Catholic and with 45% of Americans saying that they are connected to the Catholic religion in some way.

The evolution of this modern world and faith continue to challenge many religions.

It is inspiring to know that the Catholic faith is widening the girth to include and not exclude its faithful.

(Photos courtesy of Pexels)
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