There have recently been several events that indicate new divorce trends. For instance, in a move of particular significance for the millions of Catholics in Illinois, the Vatican recently announced that it was softening its stance on divorce.

After the recently completed synod on marriage and the family, the committee issued a statement that there are “positive aspects of. . .cohabitation.”  The language signals a clear break from traditional church teaching that unmarried couples were living in sin. While stopping well short of endorsing such relationships, the synod also made some similar conclusions about same-sex marriages. The report stated that many gays had “gifts and qualities” that could give these people a place in the Christian community.

Pope Francis has been more inclusive than some of his predecessors, much to the chagrin of many conservatives. Forty-one of the 200 bishops in attendance openly objected to the report, so the matter is far from settled.