[metmom]

A civil marriage by itself is NOT considered valid by the Catholic Church, but children of these marriages are still legitimate because legitimacy is a civil, not religious designation. The idea of a civil or non-Catholic marriage being ‘blessed’ by the Church is a misconception. These couples (after proper preparation) actually have to marry each other again, although Church-wise it is really the first time since they didn’t receive the Sacrament before.

IOW, the Catholic church doesn't recognize a non-Catholic marriage, therefore all non-Catholics marriages are just people living in sin.

That is the only option if it's not a legitimate marriage or not recognized as a marriage.

[af_vet_1981]

IOW, the Catholic church doesn't recognize a non-Catholic marriage, therefore all non-Catholics marriages are just people living in sin. That is the only option if it's not a legitimate marriage or not recognized as a marriage.

False; The Catholic Church recognizes marriages between similar baptized Protestants; two Lutherans in a Lutheran church, two Baptists in a Baptist church, etc., but it will not recognize mixed marriages nor those of a Catholic, lapsed or otherwise, that does not check first with the Church that the marriage is permissible under NT and Canon law, or something to that effect. The shepherds do not want the sheep to be led astray into sin and trouble. Catholics need to marry in the Church or get permission for exceptions.

[omegatoo]

Technically, yes, a non-sacramental marriage between baptized people is considered invalid. This is what Catholics believe. Non-Catholics don’t submit to Catholic Church authority, that is what makes them non-Catholics, so what the Catholic Church thinks of their marriages should not be a concern. Catholics, however, should not marry except in the Church or with necessary dispensations.

O2