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Widget background

Divorce and Remarriage Policy of CIBC

1. Marriage

  • God's original plan for marriage was for a permanent covenant relationship between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14)

  • Marriage as a permanent covenant relationship is dissolvable by death (Mark 10:9; Romans 7:2-3; I Corinthians 7:39)

  • God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16)

2. Divorce

  • No divorce is permissible in the Bible except for the possibility of two very specific cases (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:9)

    1. The first case is when one of the spouses commits adultery (Matthew 5:32; 19:9)

    2. The second case is when the unbelieving spouse deserts the believing spouse (I Corinthians 7:15).

  • No other divorces are permissible.

3. Remarriage

  • Remarriage may take place if one of the spouses passes away, thus the living spouse may remarry (Romans 7:2-3; I Corinthians 7:39).

  • If one of the spouses commits adultery which results in a divorce, then the innocent party may remarry (Matthew 5:32; 19:9).

  • If an unbelieving spouse deserts and divorce the believing spouse, then the believing spouse may remarry (I Corinthians 7:15).

4. Divorce and Remarriage Policy of CIBC

  • Pastors-Deacons and Members of CIBC will uphold the biblical standards of marriage and thus would counsel a person not to initiate a divorce but rather to seek reconciliation and healing to the marriage.

  • If a divorce has occurred because of adultery or desertion by the unbelieving spouse, then the innocent party may remarry (See II. A. 1.2. and III B. C.)

  • If a Christian couple who are members of CIBC goes through a divorce/remarriage contrary to this policy statement will be subject to church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17). See CIBC Constitution, Article VI, Membership, No. 5. Discipline of Members.

  • Christians who have been divorced/remarried upon coming to CIBC may become members of the church upon the review and recommendation of the Pastors-Deacons. A divorced person may serve in any church position except for the leadership roles of Pastors-Deacons-Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council.

  • Pastors on staff at CIBC will counsel within the above policy.

(This policy may be amended upon the consensus of the Pastors and Deacons. This policy was approved by the Pastors-Deacons on October 12, 1992.)