MARRIAGE-BUILDING STRATEGY DRAW TOGETHER ENTIRE COMMUNITY

Among the different strategies being tried in the US to strengthen marriage (in Canada moves in this direction seem to be much slower), such as the renowned “covenant marriage” vows popularized by Louisiana,  is an approach being tried in Grand Rapids, Michigan which involves the whole community.  A recent article published by the highly respected think-tank, the Heritage Foundation, discusses the proposal and notes that, while most proposals to strengthen marriage rely almost exclusively on the church, this initiative also requires the involvement of political, medical, business and judicial figures. The “community marriage policy” was drafted by a variety of the city’s community leaders Expections outlined for the clergy and local congregations include: encouraging a courtship of at least one year; promoting chastity outside of marriage and faithful marital relationships; the conducting of at least four premarital counseling sessions; and training of mature couples to serve as mentors.  Expectations for the wider community include: promoting a workplace environment that will effectively support marriages and families; examining within the various professions and lines of work ways that current policies and practices may unwittingly undermine marriage; and volunteering of time, expertise,  influence and resources to support initiatives that promote marriage and stable families.