[longtermmemmory]

Early churches actually feared the prinint press. People would read the bible and find out what was or was not allowed. In those days priests would engage in all forms of immorality. (hey baby its a sacrament, really) I guess some priests have not changed.

BTW: The Orthodox church which also traces its lines back to the original Disciples, has always allowed three efforts at marriage. (Don't forget the churches split in around 1051)

The layman way to look at it: The first time, you were too young. The second time, rebound. Third time, better get it right.

Its actually kind of ironic with regards to the Anglican church. There was a thread here on FR that identified the Orthodox church as having deep roots in the knights in England.

[Cultural Jihad]

Interetsing. Thanks for the post. A quick search indicates (at least among Greek Orthodox): "No person may marry more than three times in the Church, with permission for the third marriage granted only with extreme oikonomia."

I would be surprised if the Anglicans allow for any sort of limitation.