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IMMEDIATE RELEASE 17th January, 02
NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK CALLS FOR BETTER MARRIAGE EDUCATION & SUPPORT
10 17 February 2002
National Marriage Week 2002 is calling for more marriage education for children and young people and greater access to preventative support programmes for couples. The event, which this year celebrates its sixth anniversary, aims to motivate and empower people to support marriage in the community and to promote marriage as an important basis for stable family and community life.
Richard Kane, founder of National Marriage Week and director of the Futureway Trust explains: "It is time to get serious about teaching couples at all stages of married life, the skills to learn how to resolve conflict without blowing the relationship apart. We are calling for a much greater emphasis to be placed upon preventative strategies which will give couples the tools they need to overcome the challenges which any intense relationship presents and enable them to emerge stronger and more in love than before."
Once again National Marriage Week, which launches on February 8th, is receiving widespread support from top political and religious figures, celebrities, the Lord Chancellor's Department and experts in the field of marriage and relationships.
Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, who will be speaking at the launch event, says, "It is clear to me that good marriages and strong family life are both at the heart of a healthy civilisation. The witness of faithful married couples in our society is vital to the common good of Britain today and resilient marriages are crucial in providing the best upbringing for children."
"In the midst of the serious obstacles presented by secular society, we must celebrate and affirm the sanctity of marriage and the profound importance of family life. I am delighted to support National Marriage Week."
Spearheading this year's pro-marriage campaign is a specially commissioned book based on the cartoon couple entitled "A Year in the Life of Jon & Japonika". The 80-page illustrated book, written by award-winning author Clive Price, tells the story of a post-modern couple who, through their own experiences, reveal the truth behind seven commonly held marriage myths. Priced at £4.95, it will be published to coincide with the launch of National Marriage Week. Individuals and organisations wishing to organise an event during the week should call the NMW office on 01202 883887 or visit www.nmw.org.uk.
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For further information, interviews and artwork please contact Gemma Crosland at Oasis Media 020 7450 9053 or via email gemma.crosland@oasismedia.co.uk For all other enquiries please contact Angie Newnham at Futureway Trust 01202 883887 or via email admin@futureway.org.uk |