Falling rings: Group and ritual process in a divorce.

ABSTRACT

This paper describes, analyzes, interprets, and spells out some implications of a divorce as it was faced and handled by a pastor and congregation. The challenge to work creatively with divorce came when both the husband and wife wished to remain in the congregation as members. The paper briefly sets forth theological perspectives on marriage, divorce, and discipline in the Mennonite Church, a brief case history of the couple, a description of the group and ritual process with which the pastor and congregation responded, and the reflections of the couple and members a year later. The paper offers not a model but, rather, a symbol as presented in the title, "Falling Rings." It is hoped that the symbol will not only give rise to thought, but will also spark the imagination so as to enable other congregations to respond more assertively, creatively, and caringly to those who divorce in their midst.