Whether or not you can get married in a church if you've been married before depends entirely on the specific denomination and even the individual church's policies. Here's a breakdown:
Catholic Church:
* Generally, no. The Catholic Church views marriage as a sacrament and indissoluble (meaning it cannot be broken except by death).
* Exceptions:
* Annulment: If a previous marriage is annulled (declared invalid from the beginning by the Church), then a Catholic may be able to marry in the Church. An annulment is NOT a Catholic divorce. It's a declaration that something essential was missing at the time of the marriage ceremony that prevented it from being a valid marriage in the eyes of the Church.
* Death of a Spouse: If a previous spouse has died, the surviving spouse is free to marry in the Church.
* Pauline Privilege/Petrine Privilege: In very specific circumstances, the Church might grant a dispensation (exception) based on these privileges, which involve marriages between non-baptized persons. These are complex and rare.
Protestant Churches (e.g., Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Anglican/Episcopal):
* Varying Policies: Protestant churches have a wide range of views on divorce and remarriage.
* Some allow remarriage without restrictions: Some denominations or individual churches may allow remarriage regardless of the circumstances of the prior divorce.
* Some allow remarriage with conditions: Others may have conditions, such as:
* Counseling: Requiring premarital counseling.
* Confession and Repentance: The person seeking remarriage may need to demonstrate repentance and reconciliation related to the circumstances of the divorce.
* Approval of the Pastor/Church Leadership: The pastor or church elders may need to approve the remarriage.
* Waiting Period: A waiting period may be required after the divorce.
* Some discourage or prohibit remarriage: A few denominations or individual churches may discourage or prohibit remarriage after divorce, except perhaps in cases of death of a spouse or abuse.
Other Denominations/Religions:
* Each denomination or religion will have its own specific rules and beliefs regarding marriage and divorce. You should consult with a leader or representative of that faith for accurate information.
Key Steps to Take:
1. Contact the Church Directly: The most important thing is to contact the specific church where you would like to be married.
2. Be Honest and Open: Be honest with the pastor or church official about your previous marriage(s) and the circumstances surrounding the divorce(s).
3. Be Prepared to Discuss Your Faith: Be prepared to discuss your faith and commitment to the church.
4. Respect the Church's Decision: Regardless of the church's decision, respect their beliefs and policies. If one church does not allow remarriage, you can explore other churches with different policies.
In summary: It's crucial to understand that there's no single answer to this question. The answer depends entirely on the specific religious denomination and the individual church's policies. Always contact the church directly to inquire about their rules regarding remarriage.