Belief, Law and Justice for Women-Debate on Proposed Christian Marriage and Matrimonial Causes Bill, 1990

Debate on Proposed Christian Marriage and Matrimonial Causes Bill, 1990 Rita Monteiro One issue which stands in the way of a comprehensive family legislation for Indian Christians which reflects egalitarian gender values concerns the recognition of divorce, since this is seen as incompatible with the doctrinal teachings of the Catholic church on the indissolubility of marriage. Such a position ignores the reality of increasing marriage break down among Catholics and the acceptance by informed and practising Catholics that in the event of marriage failure women suffer more and face greater difficulties. This article is a narrative of the nitty- gritty of working within the Catholic church to achieve a separation between marriage as a civil contract and an indissoluble sacrament. It seeks to argue that while the church has the right to continue its teachings on marriage as a permanent bond, it must also respect individual conscience.