Marriage is good for society as a whole
The marriage service tells us about the importance of marriage to society.
The Vicar says: “Marriage is a sign of unity and loyalty which all should uphold and honour. It enriches society and strengthens community.”
And despite the decline of marriage in recent times, people still respect and care about it. In a 2007 CofE study on marriage, 51% of unmarried young people (18-24) said they aspired to marriage. In the same study, 86% of married people and 64% of unmarried people agree that “despite the challenges, marriage is important to society”.
Theology thinktank Theos commissioned a recent poll which found the breakdown of traditional family structures was top of people’s concerns. Nearly a third (29%) of people said this was their greatest concern ahead of poverty and injustice in the world, international terrorism or climate change.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has said: “For Christians, marriage represents not only an unchanging ideal but forms the bedrock of society. We marry not only because we love, but to be helped to love. Those who commit to each other in marriage do so knowing that they will find support during hard times and enjoy the security and contentment they need to grow and develop as human beings”.
The Revd George Pitcher in his Daily Telegraph blog, 'Let's stick up for marriage', says: "We may be ……… looking at a re-ordering of what is really important. One of those values that may re-emerge is life-long commitment to another, for those fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity. Marriage gives shape and voice to that commitment. And those who know that, whether they come at it from the perspective of faith or not, should speak up for it. Marriage is wonderful and should be honoured and nourished."