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Marriage Council Recognises Pressures on Busy Couples in Synod Report

Marriage Council Recognises Pressures on Busy Couples in Synod Report

The report of the Church of Ireland Marriage Council was received by General Synod this afternoon (Thursday May 4). Proposing the report, the Revd Jonny Campbell–Smyth, gave an introduction to the work of the marriage council. He said that the pressures on couples in an ever more demanding world was immense and that supporting couples making the commitment of marriage was a crucial ministry of the Church.

He noted that in 2015, approximately 22,000 marriages were registered in Republic of Ireland, with 2,500 divorces taking place. In Northern Ireland there were approximately 8,500 marriages registered, with similarly 2,500 divorces taking place in the same year. “In the joy that comes in one big day, the reality of the hard work that must begin is never far away,” he said.

“[…] within the role of the Marriage Council, we want to offer whatever assistance and resources to build healthy marriages, loving relationships, strong families, and provide the local church with the resources it needs as it reaches out to couples in their care,” he added.

Outlining the council’s work over the last year, Mr Campbell–Smyth noted the survey sent out to clergy on resources for marriage preparation and support clergy provide to couples going through separation and divorce. The council intends to point local parishes to a wide range of materials to supplement those they are currently using. They ran a course entitled ‘The Pastoral Care of Marriage and Family Life Today’ in Omagh and Cork and it is intended to offer it in Dublin in 2018. A clergy couples retreat is planned for the Diocese of Connor. A review of the council, which is now 20 years old, is also planned.

In conclusion he thanked the council’s chair, the Revd John Ardis, and Sandra Massey for their work.

Speaking to the report Hilary McClay commended the Marriage Council on the work they do in the provision of marriage preparation courses. She also commended the marriage preparation course in preparing couples for financial planning in the context of Christian belief.

Margaret Stephens a member of the Young Families and the Marriage Councils, said she was sad to hear of so many marriage break ups but urged people to remember that they start out in marriage for life. She said if you are committed to Christian marriage, it is so important not to give in even when experiencing difficult times.

The Revd Ian Linton commended the Pastoral Care of Marriage and Family Life Today course and encouraged others to attend it if the opportunity arose. He observed that there was no bishop on the membership of the Marriage Council. He said a bishop’s presence on the council would make a public statement on the value the Church places on marriage.

The report was received by synod members.

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