Faith
Marriage Under Threat: Stand for Lifelong Commitment
Faith Facts
- The Northern Ireland Executive is considering changes to divorce laws that would make divorce easier.
- The Christian Institute warns this could undermine the stability of families, children, and communities.
- Evidence shows that stable marriages benefit not only couples, but also children and wider society.
Proposed law changes would remove fault-based divorce and shorten separation periods, similar to reforms in England and Wales. Christian leaders urge lawmakers to defend marriage as a sacred, enduring covenant foundational to a just and moral society.
James Kennedy of The Christian Institute cautioned against adopting policies that devalue marriage vows.
“The Executive should be working to strengthen marriage, not accelerate its breakdown.”
He said.
He highlighted marriage’s role in giving children security and helping communities thrive.
“Marriage is a lifelong commitment that provides the strongest foundation for children, families, and communities. But making divorce quicker gives the impression that wedding vows no longer matter.”
“Our MLAs risk sending the message that marriage is disposable, at the very moment society most needs its stability.”
Kennedy argued that easy divorce signals a lack of value for commitment, urging policies that encourage couples to persevere through difficulties.
“If the law makes it easier to walk away, more people will walk away. Instead, wherever possible we should be encouraging couples to work through difficulties and offering support to help marriages recover and grow.”
He called for investment in policies that reinforce marriage and uphold biblical principles for the common good.
“When families are stable, children are more secure, outcomes improve, and communities flourish. The Government should be investing in policies that promote marriage, rather than hasten its breakdown.”
“This is about more than legal process, it’s about what kind of society we want to be. If we want to build a culture that values commitment, responsibility, and long-term care, we need laws that uphold those ideals, not weaken them.”
The conversation surrounding marriage and family underscores the need to honor God’s design and preserve the foundation that has long supported strong, thriving communities. Stand for marriage, faith, and freedom in Northern Ireland.