• 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)

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.