May 18 saw the Family Education Trust conference held in central London thinking about What is Marriage?
Not so many years ago, it would have seemed a ridiculous question. There was a widespread consensus as to what constitutes a marriage. But in the context of the current debate surrounding same-sex relationships, there is considerable confusion surrounding the meaning of marriage and it is a question that desperately needs to be calmly and honestly addressed.
Revolution in marriage
Sharon James of the Coalition for Marriage shed considerable light on the subject. Dr. James reflected on how our understanding of marriage has changed over the past 50 years to the point where it is frequently viewed as being primarily about the emotional satisfaction of the two parties involved. She said that the idea that individual fulfilment is what ultimately counts and that a ‘pure’ relationship is one that has no obligations and constraints, and which either party is free to leave at any point, has contributed to chronic instability and insecurity within families and society.
