Rethinking the theology of marriage?

This article by Elisabeth Behr-Sigel is situated within the context of the ecumenical dialogue of the 1960s and takes as its starting point an analysis by Father C.J. Dumont on Roman Catholic legislation concerning mixed marriages. In the form of a critical theological chronicle, the article examines the historical evolution of Roman canon law since the Council of Trent, highlighting its internal tensions and doctrinal weakness. The main argument is that any canonical reform regarding mixed marriages remains insufficient without a theological refoundation of marriage itself. The contribution of the article lies in its juxtaposition of the Catholic position with the Orthodox doctrine of marriage, presented as a sacrament with a mystical and eschatological dimension. Behr-Sigel invites the Orthodox Church to consciously embrace this theological heritage while reflecting on its own shortcomings in the application of its canons.