Marriage rise ‘is good for island’
Saturday 2nd January 2010, 2:29PM GMT.
AN INCREASE in the number of islanders getting married is a good thing for the community, according to the vice-dean of Guernsey.
The 2009 births, marriages and deaths figures show that 326 couples tied the knot this year compared with 300 in 2008.
The Rev. Kevin Northover (pictured) said the figures proved Guernsey people upheld traditional values of family life as the core and centre of a stable community.
‘It is good to know that more couples are [getting married] because it shows that people still want to live in traditional family units, not as a fairytale ideal but as a real relationship where the benefits of commitment grow as the relationship develops over the years,’ he said.
‘Marriage is something to celebrate and a happy marriage is of great value to family life.’
He said the fact that such unions were on the increase showed islanders were respecting family values.
‘The family unit has stood the test of time – perhaps couples are looking for certainty in an uncertain world,’ said Mr Northover.
- To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.
Campaigns
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
This is Guernsey
Guernsey Press
I agree with the Rev Kev about the value of marriage however it’s about quality not quantity. Getting married isn’t difficult, it’s staying married that’s the acid test as it requires sacrificial commitment through the rough and tumble of real life.
One of the problems is that our society has made far too much of the wedding day and not enough of the marriage that follows. Huge fancy weddings driven by pressurising relatives are no foundations for a successful marriage – look at the sad case of Charles and Diana.
Not long before I got married, a very wise person told me that the wedding day is the worst day of a good marriage….after that things should only get better. That’s how I’ve tried to view things – it doesn’t always work but it’s a good principle to start with I think.
Unfortunately, that’s not the general view of society. Instead of emphasising the qualities required to make a successful marriage (such as mutual love, acceptance, respect, tolerance, forgiveness, admiration, self-sacrifice and commitment), young couples are constantly pressurised about the “must haves” for the wedding day – fancy cake, photographer, button holes, matching ties etc. Then there is the oft-added pressure of relatives with their “helpful” advice (translated: demands) with little regard to the wishes of the couple.
The upshot of these dual pressures is that many couples have precious little time to actually prepare for marriage. Instead, they end up wasting time tearing their hair out trying to please Great Aunt Sally and Grandpa, while shelling out an average £18,000 (according to http://www.guernseyweddings.co.uk) to have the “perfect” wedding day – when that time and money might have been better placed giving them a foundation for married life.
Report abuse
No doubt the number of marriages will increase furthur now that the Church of England can offer Baptism of the child/children of the marrying couple at the same service. I believe it was the Bishop of Fulham who suggested throwing in a funeral for Grandma at the same time! Three for the price of one. Not a wonder the Church of England is digging its own grave.
Report abuse
Shame you still won’t allow civil partnerships then isn’t it!
Report abuse
Sarah – it is the States that make the laws, so the issue of Civil Partnerships is a matter for the government, not the church.
Report abuse