a formal declaration that a marriage was not valid

non-religious, secular e.g. civil marriage

another marriage after a previous marriage has ended (following divorce or widowhood)

Religious views about divorce and remarriage

Religious education

Human sexuality including heterosexual and same sex relationships

Different religious views about same sex relationships

Sexual relationships before and outside of marriage

Different religious views about sex before marriage

Contraception and family planning

Different religious views about contraception

The nature and purpose of marriage

Religious attitudes to marriage

Divorce, remarriage and related ethical arguments

The nature of families including the role of parents and children

The purpose of families

Contemporary family issues: Polygamy

The roles of men and women

Gender prejudice and discrimination

In this unit pupils will examine issues around sexuality, the family and relationships. They will study how Christians and other worldviews understand ideas of family and marriage and address how these affect views on issues such as divorce.

Relationships and families

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

In Mark 10:11-12, Jesus says, “Whoever divorces his wife and {{}} another commits adultery…”

Divorce is a grave offence against natural law

Which of the following is a belief held by the Catholic Church regarding divorce?

Remarriage is a sin, and considered adultery

Remarriage is allowed as long as both parties agree

Remarriage is only allowed after a civil annulment

What does the Catholic Church teach about remarriage after divorce?

The marriage should be publicly celebrated

The marriage should be annulled after a certain period

According to Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10, what should happen to a marriage once God has joined a couple?

Which Christian denomination recognises that divorce may occur in exceptional circumstances and may allow remarriage in church?

Separation may be allowed, but remarriage is not allowed

Separation is permissible in some cases if civil divorce is not allowed.

What is the Catholic Church’s view on separation in cases of marriage difficulties?

What is the term used for the legal ending of a marriage?

You must have been married for over 5 years

Your relationship must have permanently broken down

You must have children under the age of 16

What is one requirement for legally getting divorced in England and Wales?

Divorce rates decreased significantly after World War II

Divorce rates remained unchanged after World War II

Divorce rates increased after World War II

What impact did World War II have on divorce rates?

Which of the following is an ethical argument against divorce?

You must have been legally divorced or widowed

You must receive approval from a religious leader

What is the legal requirement for remarriage in the UK?

What ethical argument might support divorce for unhappy couples?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Religious views about divorce and remarriage

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.