|
IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4th February 2003
Senior faith leaders have spoken of the importance of marriage at the start of National Marriage Week.
National Marriage Week, (9-16th February) now approaching its seventh year is hosting a unique pro marriage conference, exhibition of service providers and press launch, which will be at The Merchant Taylor’s Hall, Threadneedle Street, London, Thursday February 6th 9.30 – 5. Press launch at 11.am.
Archbishop Rowan Williams in a statement released today at the start National Marriage Week said, "When a couple publicly declare their love for each other in marriage, and promise a lifetime of being there for each other, they don't just do something for themselves. They make a great gift to the whole of society, telling everyone what it is that love makes possible. This is a gift to celebrate and I hope this week will give plenty of opportunity to affirm the vision that marriage proclaims".
Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks who is speaking at the launch event will say, “What makes marriage one of the greatest of all human institutions is that it brings together what contemporary life seems so often to split apart - sex, love, companionship, fidelity - and makes of them something greater than the sum of their parts, far from being outmoded, it seems to me to be made for the 21st century".
Rev Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, who is also speaking at the launch will say, “Within the rapid changes in society, marriage still provides a pillar of stability and continuity for our children and future society. All of – church, community and government – have responsibility therefore to strengthen marriages in the interests of the wider community”.
Indirjit Singh, Editor of the Sikh Messenger said in a statement released to launch National Marriage Week, “At this time of social disintegration leading to loneliness, deprivation and crime, it is important that we focus again on the unique institution of marriage”.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, in a statement to launch national Marriage Week said, “Married love and commitment is still the ideal to which as a society we aspire and want our children to aspire. Marriage Week is an opportunity for our society to celebrate and renew our commitment to marriage, and to acknowledge our responsibility to find better ways to support married couples, particularly in the difficult times”. Marriage Week is designed to encourage couples to talk about their marriages and build positive skills into the relationship. Founder and Director of Marriage Week, which is now an international event, Richard Kane said “Marriage Week is here to remind couples to stay true to each other, and learn to love each other even more”. Hundreds of events will occur throughout the UK, from Renewal of Vows, through to the launching of the first ever Community Marriage Policy in the UK, which will be signed by Registrars and around 25 church leaders in Bath on February 11th. Over 160 cities in the USA have adopted a community wide approach to marriage support. Bath Superintendent Registrar, Judy Stone said, “As we come in to contact with couples wishing to marry we are well placed to offer them strategies to help them avoid unnecessary breakdown”.
Also speaking at the conference Val Gilfillan, Superintendent Registrar at Taunton will be explaining exactly how Registry Offices can take a much more proactive role in preparing couples for marriage. Gilfillan said, “We all need to work together to make people appreciate the real benefits of marriage”.
Other speakers at the event include: Dr David H Olson PHD from the University of Minnesota, a World renowned authority on marital therapy, and Professor Richard Whitfield, a specialist in Human Development, Dr Stephen Driver, University of Surrey Roehampton, school of sociology, Chris Grimshaw, National Co-ordinator for Community Family Trusts . Ends
NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK 9-16TH FEBRUARY 2003 The National Marriage Week conference will address this and other issues. Thursday 6th February, Merchant Taylors Hall. Press Call 11. 15 AM For further information and interviews please contact admin@futureway.org.uk www.nmw.org.uk press office 01202 883887 |