An annulment is a finding that declares that a marriage was never properly entered into between the two parties. The Church requires that both parties enter into an indissoluble union that is faithful, free, and open to life. If either party enters into the marriage covenant not fully intending any of the above, or there is an impediment that is later discovered, the marriage never occured. Considering how our culture emphasizes the self to the exclusion of the other, is it surprising that many people enter into a "marriage" with the idea that if one is not "fulfilled", they intend on leaving the union? How can this then be considered a valid marriage if one has such an attitude?
If this is your position, you see no conflict with the spirit of what Jesus was saying? Did Jesus speak of annulment?
Yes, He gave an example of an exception that would invalidate the marriage - if one had married their brother or sister. (incest)
Regards
Imagine if you lined up 500 Protestants and 500 Catholics, who had each been through a divorce or an annulment, respectively, and asked them: "On your wedding day, did you truly believe (and intend) that you and your (then) spouse were entering into your marriage covenant as an 'indissoluble union that [was] faithful, free, and open to life'. My guess would be that 450+ of the Protestants would have said "Yes", and 500 of the Catholics would have said "No". If I am even close, doesn't this say something?
Yes, He [Jesus] gave an example of an exception [annulment] that would invalidate the marriage - if one had married their brother or sister. (incest)
That is one mother of an "out", and I will give it to you, gladly. :) However, given the current annulment rates, if this Biblical example is used only 0.0001% of the time, then doesn't this say something as well?