December 16, 2009 CT: In an attempt to scale down the increasing number of divorce cases in Kerala, the Catholic Church has cautioned its faithful against marrying in haste.

The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) urged its members to enter into marriage only after proper investigations by both the parties. This should be a prerequisite if the bride and groom are residing abroad.

KCBC resolved to draft a set of guidelines to be followed during marriages in the Syro Malabar, Syro Malankara and Latin Catholic churches. The decision was taken at a three-day meeting of Bishops in Kochi.

"Annulment of marriages has gone up steeply since the past few years especially in cases where the bride and groom are from abroad," Syro Malabar Church spokesperson Father Paul Thelekat said.

"Many enter into apparent deceitful marriages if the groom and bride are from abroad. This is normally the case when hasty marriages are taking place," he was quoted saying by the Press Trust of India.

Those living abroad and wanting to get married, says Althara, must submit a certificate from their local parish stating that he or she was never married.

Although this is an already existing practice, Althara rued that many were not strictly following.

In addition to this, the Church will reinforce the need for announcements on three Sundays in churches before any marriage. During this period, those having objection to the marriage can inform the parish priest.

According to Althara, these guidelines will be circulated in all 29 dioceses and 4,300 parishes in the state. (Babu Thomas, CT)