Carefully PreparedHow might the churches support couples as they prepare for a lifetime of marriage, not just a wedding day?Churches Together for Families appointed a group to explore this question. Carefully Prepared is the outcome of the group's work. Thanks are due to Andrew Body for drafting the original manuscript and to Joan King for her editorial work. Members of the group were: Andrew Body (FLAME) Forewordby the Presidents of Churches Together in EnglandMarriage is under the spotlight in England today. As Christians we believe that marriage has been part of God's plan for men and women since the creation of the world. Good preparation for marriage, therefore, and continuing care and support for it must be a major pastoral concern for all Christians. We commend this booklet, which has been prepared by a small group with considerable experience in the field and who represent the major Christian traditions in this country. The group has reviewed the resources available for marriage preparation, and has tried to distil what it considers to be best practice. We commend it for the serious consideration of all priests and ministers and others involved in preparing couples for marriage. There are ideas here that could refresh and invigorate what is already being done with couples. The booklet may simply provide a fresh look at existing work, or it may encourage those with responsibility for marriage preparation to work together to provide even better support for those contemplating marriage. We particularly commend the booklet to the consideration of local groups of Churches Together. By working together on marriage preparation and by sharing resources they are likely to be able to provide a better service to those who come asking to be married. The focus throughout is on practical guidance and advice. The booklet does not attempt to set out the theological basis of marriage: nor, therefore, does it address the doctrinal and pastoral questions in this area on which individual churches may differ, such as on the whole question of the re-marriage of divorced persons. This booklet is not intended to replace or supplant other necessary denominational material. We commend the booklet to all Christians concerned about marriage and family life; and we ask them to support and pray for those who have the vital, but difficult task of helping to prepare nearly half the population of this country for marriage. George Cantuar Basil Hume Kathleen Richardson Rowen Loverance Chapter 1 |2 |3 |4 |5 |6 |7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |13 © Churches Together for Families, 2001-2002 |
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