His Eminence, Ricardo Vidal was quoted as saying that the divorce bill filed in Congress should never be approved.
I think the cardinal is only speaking for his church and not for the many couples who want a way out of a troubled marriage. After all, who doesn't want a relationship to succeed?
But just because two people signed a covenant before a priest doesn't have to mean they have to honor that commitment "for richer or for poorer; in sickness and in health …" even if the chances for a successful union is no longer within the realm of possibility.
This may sound amusing but how about a renewable marriage contract? For example, a couple is given the option for renewal every five or ten years. If no steps are taken within a given period after expiry, it is understood that said contract is automatically renewed as the law may provide.
Perhaps, the people concerned will be freed of this delicate and sensitive issue. And the parties involved - the church, couples and legislators will have no more heated debates and put this matter to rest, once and for all. And thus save on expenses for litigation.
Manny Camara Gumban
Carmen, Cebu