Faith and Practice

remarriage

 When a divorced or widowed person wishes to remarry, it is a time for rejoicing. Remarriage is a new commitment to partnership and should be handled by a clearness committee in the same manner as other marriage requests. The clearness committee should be sensitive to issues of time, children, and the spiritual healing of each partner related to their prior marriage. The remarriage of divorced persons under the care of the Meeting should not occur until prior personal, financial, or legal obligations have been resolved.

 Remarriage may create a blended family. Children of either partner should be consulted during the clearness process. By encouraging all parties to examine their feelings and expectations, the clearness committee can be helpful in resolving feelings about the new family order. It may sometimes be helpful to consult with ex-partners and former family members.†

† A resource for further consideration is Living With Oneself and Others
(New England Yearly Meeting), available through the AFSC bookstore.