Faith
Marriage Rates Drop Below Half in Britain
Faith Facts
- ONS reports only 49.5% of UK adults are married or in civil partnerships in 2024, down from 51.5% in 2014.
- Adults who have never married have risen to 36.8%, up from 33.9% a decade ago.
- Couple cohabitation is higher among older adults, with more than 70% of those aged 30–64 living as couples.
The decline in marriage throughout Britain highlights a cultural shift away from biblical covenant and commitment. It serves as a call for Christians to uphold God’s design for marriage as the foundation of strong families and communities.
Harry Benson, Research Director at the Marriage Foundation, responded,
“Today’s bleak and disheartening figures from the ONS show that the proportion of the adult population who are married continues to fall and remains below 50 per cent.”
This trend reflects a decades-long pattern as fewer embrace lifelong unions—with concerning implications for the fabric of society.
Benson urged the government to reconsider policies that discourage marriage, arguing that marriage supports stability and is proven to help couples stay together.
“The fact is that the psychology involved in the act of marriage helps couples want to make their relationship work. The most recent studies show that UK parents are significantly more likely to stay together if they are married, regardless of background.”
He concluded,
“Marriage may be no guarantee, but it stacks the odds in your favour. Divorce rates are at their lowest since the 1970s. Yet record levels of family breakdown have been driven mostly by the collapse of relationships that never formalised through marriage or civil partnership. The message from psychology and the data is simple. If you want to stay together, get married.”
As believers, let us recommit to honoring the sacred covenant of marriage and encourage the next generation to cherish God’s blueprint for the family.
Faith
Texas Pastor Returns After Sentence for Lying
Faith Facts
- Matthew Queen received a six-month sentence for lying to federal investigators regarding sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention.
- Queen is now serving as associate pastor at Plymouth Park Baptist Church in Irving, Texas.
- Judge Lewis Kaplan allowed home confinement after reading multiple letters about Queen’s moral character and history of supporting abuse victims.
After serving his sentence, Dr. Matt Queen has resumed ministry, now listed among the leadership at a Texas Baptist church. His background emphasizes decades of service and a commitment to evangelism despite recent legal troubles.
Queen faced federal charges related to a Department of Justice investigation into multiple Baptist entities, connected to mishandling of sexual abuse cases.
He pled guilty to falsifying records during the investigation but expressed regret and has demonstrated support for abuse victims and transparency within the church.
As believers, we are called to seek truth, ensure accountability, and lift up standards of righteousness in all areas of leadership.
Let us continue to pray for wisdom and courage among Christian leaders as we strive to strengthen our families, our churches, and our nation in Christ’s love and grace.
Faith
Younger Generations Lead Hope for Ending Poverty
Faith Facts
- Optimism about ending global poverty is highest among young people, with 54% of 18-34 year olds expressing hope.
- Key factors identified for overcoming poverty include raising awareness, advocating for government action, and embracing sustainable habits.
- Christian-led projects, like those by Compassion UK, have transformed families through faith and practical support.
New research shows young adults in the UK maintain strong faith in the possibility of eradicating global poverty, while belief among older generations continues to decline.
Despite challenges, widespread support exists for initiatives that empower communities through faith-inspired action.
Christian organizations remain steadfast in addressing the root causes of poverty. Global conflicts, lack of clean water, and poor leadership are recognized hurdles, but the commitment to Biblical justice fuels lasting change.
“We believe, and the next generation believes, that a world without poverty is possible.”
The positive impact of local churches and faith-based programs is evident in stories of transformation, where one changed life brings hope to many.
Steadfast faith, strong families, and community bonds are empowering new generations to break cycles of hardship.
“Every day, I see how real change begins with one person.”
Success stories from Uganda show Christian leadership and sponsorship are lifting entire families out of poverty.
The determination of young believers, guided by Biblical values, continues to inspire meaningful action across the world.
“Young people around the world are driven by a powerful sense of justice and they’re ready to act, often sacrificially, with an unshakable sense of purpose.”
Christian partnerships nurture children’s potential, provide education, and share the hope of the Gospel with families in need.
By holding fast to God’s calling to care for the poor, each faithful act makes a difference that echoes across generations.
Faith
Armenian Church Clashes With Government Heat Up
Faith Facts
- A bishop and 12 clergymen from Armenia’s Apostolic Church have been arrested amid mounting tensions with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration.
- The charges against the clergy include promoting protest participation, obstructing electoral rights, and alleged theft.
- The Armenian Apostolic Church has strongly condemned the arrests as part of a deliberate campaign to stifle its voice and influence.
The longstanding conflict between Armenia’s Apostolic Church and the government has reached a new crisis as clergy face crackdowns over public dissent. Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan and others are accused of misusing their offices and pressuring followers to join anti-government rallies.
Church officials assert these actions are politically motivated, undermining both religious freedom and Armenia’s Christian heritage. The situation escalated with the recent sentencing of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, who was imprisoned after voicing his opposition to government policies.
“There is obvious malicious intent to hinder the normal activities of the church,” the Armenian Apostolic Church said on social media.
Ajapahyan’s lawyer labeled the verdict against his client as political persecution and highlighted the injustice of silencing men of faith for speaking truth.
The administration has also accused Catholicos Karekin II, head of the Apostolic Church, of impropriety, intensifying the standoff. Church leaders remain active in defending Armenia’s Christian legacy, as seen in mass demonstrations challenging the government’s recent territorial concessions to Azerbaijan.
The agreement to transfer border villages has sparked fears among Christians about national and religious identity loss, fueling widespread protest. Faith leaders stress the need for godly wisdom and unity as Armenia navigates challenges amid shifting global alliances and historical pressures.
Now more than ever, believers are called to pray for courage, justice, and truth to prevail in Armenia, defending faith, family, and freedom in the face of adversity.
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