The report of the Marriage Council has been presented to Synod. Proposed by the Revd Stephen Farrell (Dublin), Synod heard that marriage was more popular than ever despite the talk about marriage being under threat from changed realities.

Mr Farrell said that numbers of people getting married were on the rise. “As we know, when it comes to marriage, the wedding ceremony is the easy bit. Getting married has never been easier. Couples have a range of options, secular and religious, when it comes to tying the knot. However, maintaining a strong, loving, nurturing marriage is the same blessing and challenge that it has always been,” he stated.

He said that the reality for many couples at present was living with negative equity in accommodation that is too small, working long hours, struggling to pay mortgages and childcare or who are unemployed or working reduced hours.

The Marriage Council can provide professional counselling for couples under pressure they also provide marriage preparation courses on request. Mr Farrell encouraged his colleagues in the Republic to avail of the service.

He thanked the Priorities Fund for its support and added that this year it is hoped to extend its support for separated and divorced people. He paid tribute to Sandra Massey for her assistance.

During discussion on the report the following points were raised:
• The Marriage Council was praised for its support for separated couples.
• What is the relation between the Marriage Council and Relationships Ireland.
• The popularity of prenuptial agreements was criticised as it undermines the permanent intentionality of marriage.

The report was received by Synod.

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