Many see covenant marriage laws as the key to reversing the damage done by no-fault divorce laws. Prophecy indicates that there are more forces at work than merely bad legislation!
by Cecil E. Maranville
I live in one of two U.S. states that
have recently passed legislation establishing "covenant marriages."
On May 21, 1998, Arizona's governor signed
into law an amended version of Title 25 of the Arizona Revised Statutes
permitting people to enter into a covenant marriage.
The statute reads in part: "We solemnly
declare that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman who agree
to live together as husband and wife for as long as they both live.
We have chosen each other carefully and have received premarital counseling
on the nature, purposes and responsibilities of marriage. We understand
that a covenant marriage is for life. If we experience marital difficulties,
we commit ourselves to take all reasonable efforts to preserve our
marriage, including marital counseling.
"With full knowledge of what this commitment
means, we declare that our marriage will be bound by Arizona law on
covenant marriages and we promise to love, honor and care for one another
as husband and wife for the rest of our lives."
Before the state will issue them a marriage
license, the couple must provide an affidavit proving that they have
received premarital counseling from a member of the clergy or a marriage
counselor and that the counseling program includes a full discussion
of the requirements of the covenant marriage statute.
Most people reading this article would
say that they have always believed that marriage is a covenant
relationship! So why is there a movement to pass legislation in 15
U.S. states, as well as in Canada, to establish covenant marriages?
And, more importantly, where will it lead?
