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I am a Roman Catholic who was previously married, although not in the Church. I have been divorced for 18 years.  My current husband is Coptic Orthodox, and we were married in a civil ceremony.  I would now like to be baptized in the Coptic faith so we can be married in the Church.

His priest is telling him I must get an annulment in the Catholic Church before I can be baptized and married in the Coptic Orthodox Church.  He is also denying my husband communion.

Is this in accordance with the Coptic Orthodox Church?  This same priest has committed many other acts, which do not seem to be in accordance with the teachings of the Church, and there are many disputes in his congregation.  No matter what the answer is, we will not be going to this priest’s church to be baptized or married.  I just feel the priest is making it difficult for my husband as a personal vendetta.

My question is really in trying to understand the need for proof of annulment of a marriage that was not recognized in the first place. The documents are prepared, but we will be using another priest at another church closer to our home, where we will be attending services after this is all straightened out.

Though you may have your own personal opinion about this particular priest, it is to your benefit to follow this set of instructions regarding your prospective marriage. The Church does need to obtain the completed annulment documents through the converts' former worship establishment. In the process, it is wise to begin to learn and study more about the Coptic Orthodox Church. Your salvation is the priority. Because a civil ceremony is not recognized at all by the church, any Coptic member of the church married through this venue is not considered married. Thus, he cannot partake of Holy Communion if he is involved in any intimate relationship.

The need for the proof of the annulment is based on the Coptic Orthodox Church's respect for the sanctity of marriage, for the Lord God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). Under the auspices of the Catholic Church, in which your previous marriage was officiated, the Coptic Orthodox Church will not validate the dissolution of the marriage unless there is documented proof from the institution that conferred the marriage in the first place. If you and your previous husband were married in a civil ceremony, the requirements would still be the same. The Church does not recognize your current marriage in the civil venue additionally because in the eyes of the Church, you are still married to your first husband, and thus, your current husband (by the civil union) is considered to be committing adultery. Begin your new life with the right steps to please the Lord and continue to growth in faith and spirituality.

Please understand that these steps are essential and not intended to be a vendetta or hurtful to you in any way. If your relationship with this priest continues to be strained, please inform us of your location and another priest can be a point of contact. May the Lord guide you every step of the way.