The Government should support marriage rather than liberalise our divorce laws [1]. That’s according to Bishop Denis Nulty of Catholic Bishops’ Council for Marriage & Family in a statement on Friday’s divorce referendum. He said it is important to reflect on the implications of the referendum “which seeks to expedite the dissolution of marriage”.
“The common good would be better served by supporting and resourcing couples and families in preparation for, and during marriage,” he said.
He added: “We believe that the incidence of marriage breakdown and divorce could be reduced through the introduction of socio-economic policies which support the family and through long-term education strategies which promote values such as fidelity and commitment. While this would cost money, the human and economic cost of breakdown and divorce, both for the couple and for their children, is a far greater cost.
“Feedback from Accord indicates that the experience of couples who have undertaken a marriage preparation course has been very positive and this has benefits for their marriage and family life.
“The Government should recommit resources to marriage preparation and invest resources into marriage enrichment. Both initiatives will sustain marriages into the future and lead to great dividends for wider society.”