A motion on the issue of Divorce and Remarriage after Domestic Abuse has been approved by Synod, requesting bishops take domestic violence into consideration in remarriage applications.

The issue has already been referred to the Diocesan Doctrine Commission by the Domestic Violence Task Force but the mover of the motion, Lyn Bannerman, said that the Bishops should have guidance in the meantime. 

“As with all remarriages after divorce, every request must be considered by a bishop on the case merits with a clergyman generally putting forward the position.” Ms Bannerman told the Synod. Referring to doctrinal work done on the issues in the 1990’s and 2000’s, Ms Bannerman said “Reading between the lines big questions were, and to some may still be, around desertion and reconciliation. However, we are much clearer about these issues in relation to domestic abuse., thanks to the excellent work of the Domestic Abuse Task Force.”

Seconding the motion, the Rev Philip Bradford said the motion “asks that when a bishop is considering whether or not to allow the remarriage of a divorced person he takes note if domestic violence has been a factor in the divorce. The motion makes no demands, but it asks bishops to be alert to this possibility and to act accordingly.”

An amendment against the motion agreed on the seriousness of the issue but asked Synod to wait for the report of the Doctrine Commission. The original motion passed unamended.

Archbishop Davies told the Synod it had been a significant debate and that he was glad the matter had been brought forward. Dr Davies later said “Bishops are very much aware of the complexity of issues surrounding the breakdown of marriage and the need for pastoral care and support for those who see no other option than to end their marriage. The scourge of domestic abuse in our society has brought heightened awareness of the need to provide adequate and sensitive pastoral care to victims of abuse. The Bishops are mindful of all of these factors when considering remarriage applications, yet I have noted the request of the Synod and I shall consult further with the Bishops before providing my response. I shall also seek an early meeting with the Doctrine Commission to ensure this issue is considered as soon as possible and a report is delivered as quickly as possible.”