Introducing the report of the Marriage Council, the Rev Brian Harper (Diocese of Armagh) told Synod that the Council's work had been affected by recent budgetary limitations, however the Council remained committed to supporting and encouraging marriage through its programmes.

Seconding the report, the Rev Mark Harvey (Diocese of Down and Dromore) spoke of the importance of marriage for society and the need to "ensure that marriage is both celebrated and protected", and commended the initiatives of the Marriage Council.