Core Elements of a Community Marriage Policy

Clergy across denominational lines in a local community come together to sign a covenant to make healthy marriages a priority. Key elements:

• Time: a minimum of four months marriage preparation. Catholics routinely require 6-12 months from the time of a first meeting with a pastor up to the wedding date. There must be enough time for those in weak relationship to improve them or back out without embarrassment.
• Require a premarital inventory (PREPARE/ENRICH) to give the couple an objective overview of their strengths and areas for growth, and to give Mentor Couples a clear understanding of where to focus their comments.
• Meet with an older, solidly married Mentor Couple to discuss the issues on the inventory and to be trained in communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Strengthen existing marriages of the congregation in an annual retreat such as Marriage Encounter, Family Life, or with the PREPARE/ENRICH inventory.
• Train "back-from-the-brink couples" to mentor those now in trouble; a strategy that can save a surprising 80% to 90% of the worst marriages.
• Create a Step-family Support Group that can save 80% of these difficult marriages that normally break up at a stunning rate of 65%. For smaller churches this will probably require the collaboration of several nearby churches.
• Cooperate with other congregations to share resources, which is important for smaller congregations.

The downloadable document below reflects the commitment of religious and community leaders to uphold the above Core Elements.

If you can peacefully support this policy, please consider registering your support by completing and submitting the form at right.

Miami Valley Healthy Marriage Policy
File Size:	49 kb
File Type:	pdf

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