[BurbankKarl]

If I recall my Catholicism correctly, back in the day, children of an anulled marriage were not allowed to participate in the Church...as they were seen as illegitimate. I am sure this has all been changed.

[maryz]

If I recall my Catholicism correctly, back in the day, children of an anulled marriage were not allowed to participate in the Church...as they were seen as illegitimate. I am sure this has all been changed.

What???? Illegitimacy is a civil category, not a religious one. I can't imagine who ever could have told you such a thing.

Illegitimacy was at one time (perhaps still is) considered an impediment (whether insuperable or not, I'm not sure) to ordination or religious life, but that was on the practical -- not theological -- grounds that children of people who "couldn't control themselves" might have inherited or learned the same tendency. But that's far from the same thing as not being allowed to participate in the Church.

[daybreakcoming]

I remember reading an article some time back that TAYresa insisted that he get an annulment before they married. He tried and the former Ms Kerry refused. I was wondering about the children's status also. Are they considered bastards by the Church if there was an annulment? Is he seen as an adulterer by the Church if his marriage to TAYresa is not recognized? Somehow I think anything can be accomplished in this respect with enough $$$$

[A.A. Cunningham]

You recall incorrectly.

[pbear8]

If I recall my Catholicism correctly, back in the day, children of an anulled marriage were not allowed to participate in the Church...as they were seen as illegitimate. I am sure this has all been changed.

Whoa, Karl, pull out your Code of Canon Law! The children of annulled marriages are seen as innocent victims of their parents and are considered legitimate. What the Church annuls is the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony not the civil marriage. In other words, the sacrament is declared invalid by those who first administered it.

[firebrand]

No, the children are never excluded from the sacraments. There is no concept of illegitimacy in the Church. The baptismal certificate, in the line that says "father," bears the word "ignominium," which means the father's name is not known (thus the word "ignominious").

[cyncooper]

If I recall my Catholicism correctly, back in the day, children of an anulled marriage were not allowed to participate in the Church...

NEVER has that been the case.