Consummation
D. L. d'Avray
In the later Middle Ages there was a strange exception to rule that marriages were indissoluble. A non-consummated marriage could be dissolved even if no question of impotence on either side husband or wife chose enter religious order. From 15th century this developed into papal power dissolve unconsummated for other reasons too. The intellectual origins development can traced back symbolism: only consummated fully mirrors passionate union Christ and Church, so is Carolingian guru Hincmar Reims played an early role in forming doctrine. Alexander III 12th made ruling about entry Martin V may have been first valid but reasons. practice further modern period. main contribution chapter show by-way Canon Law more relevant social history than might supposed. evidence Apostolic Penitentiary Registers one sources used demonstrate this.
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