Official Stance on Divorce:
"Due to human sin and brokenness, in some cases, the marital relationship may have to be dissolved."
(from The Lutheran Book of Worship Occasional Services)
"One of the tasks of the church is to recognize the reality that one in two families deal with the consequences of separation and divorce. How can the church nurture families in transition?"
(from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America website)
Solutions to a failed marriage focus on righting the spouses' relationships with God even though their own marital relationship is over. "Through this service," writes Molldrem, "the church can speak a clear word of God's blessing to divorced Christians who seek it."
When? After the civil divorce is complete, and following at least two sessions of pastoral counseling.
Who Participates? Preferably the couple, or one of the spouses alone, with family and friends if desired.
Where? In the sanctuary, before the altar. Molldrem notes, "The power of the ritual is grounded in the place in which it is done.This is where the marriage was blessed; this is where the [individuals] return to receive God's blessing." He points out that it need not be the altar where they were married. Its symbolic presence is sufficient reminder, he says, "that they are standing before God in holy space." Candles are provided, a large "marriage candle," along with one or two individual candles.
