Affinity Policy Statement MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
Marriage is so fundamental to human life that it was a feature of the perfect life which God created before our fall into rebellion against Him. It is given for intimate companionship between a man and woman, and as the most appropriate context for nurturing children. But perhaps, most importantly, marriage is the reflection of God’s own faithful commitment to His people.
The Bible is therefore emphatic that the norm for marriage is life-long monogamy, in which husbands give themselves unreservedly to love their wives as Christ loves His people, and in which wives honour their husbands as Christians are to honour Christ. The overall emphasis is on faithfulness and Old Testament characters who practiced polygamy were not required to divorce their partners but to love them faithfully.
Because of man’s sinfulness, God permitted divorce under the Old Covenant with Israel. However, He makes it clear that He hates divorce, and among the higher standards of God’s people under the New Covenant He never encourages Christians to initiate divorce.
Exceptions to this rule, however, are where adultery by the other partner has effectively ruptured the marriage and in such circumstances remarriage of the wronged partner is permitted. Remarriage is also permitted where a person was divorced before they became a Christian.
Sa far as secular society is concerned, Christians argue that divorce may be permitted but, because all human beings are made in the image of God, non-Christians should resist divorce as much as possible and encourage faithful, mutual commitment, not only because it is what God commands, but also because it is the way we have been made to live best. They should also note current research which shows that co-habitation before marriage is likely to weaken not strengthen marriage.
Public policy positions
1. The Government should resist all pressures to legalise ‘gay marriages’ or give equal status with heterosexual marriages.
2. Tax benefit policies should be framed to encourage marriage and certainly not to discourage it. For instance, we welcome the change in legislation to allow only one amount of mortgage interest tax relief on a property.
3. Legislation on divorce should be framed to encourage and strengthen marriage, not to weaken it.
4. The Government should encourage employers to recognise the importance of employees’ family responsibilities and commitments. This is partly as a service to the wider community but also because research shows that a stable home background enhances an employee’s work.
