Personal and family issues Sexual relationships ...involve mutual consent for regular
sexual activity, and most people, especially those with religious beliefs,
Heterosexual A person who is sexually wait until they’re older or even married before they have one. Despite this,
attracted to a member of the societal pressures often encourage early sexual involvement in
opposite sex relationships, the Christian term for this being “pre-marital sex”; in Northern
Homosexual ...to a member of the same sex Ireland, the legal age of consent is 16.
Christians view sexual intercourse as a sacred act reserved for committed,
Celibacy To voluntarily remain married relationships, and advocate for abstinence for individuals who are
single/unmarried and/or abstain not married.
from sex, usually for religious
reasons Church teachings on pre-marital sex:
Marriage A legally binding relationship The “Ideally God meant sex to be enjoyed in...the full commitment
between a man and a woman Presbyterian of marriage. It’s the physical expression of the deeper reality of
Church two becoming one in marriage”
Divorce The legal ending of a marriage
The Church “...human sexuality is a wonderful gift from God and...we urge
Cohabitation The state of living together and of Ireland that young people question any behaviour that devalues this gift,
having a sexual relationship or hinders its fulfilment within the context of marriage”
without being married
The Catholic “Fornication is carnal union between an unmarried man and
Civil A legally recognised union of a
Church woman… gravely contrary to the dignity of persons and of
Partnership couple (In N.I., this is usually a
human sexuality which it is naturally ordered to the good of
same-sex couple), providing
spouses and the generation and education of children”
them with the same rights as a
married couple Christian purpose of sex Christian arguments against pre-
●
To have children marital sex
Annulment A legal ruling that a marriage ●
Create a bond of intimacy Genesis 2:24 “That is why a man
never existed ●
with spouse leaves his father and mother and
Chastity, Virginity and Celibacy
●
Enjoyment is united with his wife, and they
Celibacy is often mutual with the role of a religious become one”
official/devotee. In its narrow sense, it applies to those Reasons for celibacy: ●
Song of Songs: series of love
whose unmarried state is a result of a sacred vow, act of ●
Religious reasons – poems addressed by a man to a
renunciation or religious conviction. so people can devote woman, and woman to a man;
themselves fully to between bride and groom
Although Christians regard sex as a God-created and God and service of ●
Sex is a gift from God that
special aspect of human relationships, the NT contains others, like Christ did
should be enjoyed within a
teachings possibly interpreted to mean that celibacy is ●
Still looking – people marriage (Genesis verse)
considered the ideal state: haven’t found the ●
Lessens risk of STIs +
person they want to
unwanted pregnancies outside
Corinthians 7:32-35, St Paul – “I’d like you to be free from spend the rest of their
of marriage; Presbyterian church
concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the lives with
– “monogamous heterosexual
Lord’s affairs – how he can please the Lord. But a married ●
Divorce – a divorced marriage is still the best defence
man is concerned about this world’s affairs – how he can person may choose against sexually transmitted
please his wife – and his interests are divided... I’m saying not to become involved disease, especially HIV/AIDS”
this for your own good, not to restrict you, but so you may in another relationships
live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.“
●
People can become emotionally
●
Bereavement – person hurt by having sex in a
may not want to be relationship that isn’t a lifelong
Many Christians interpret this as remaining unmarried involved with anyone
allowing individuals more time and energy to focus on commitment – they end up
else feeling devalued and used.
their relationship with God. They believe a fulfilling life is
not contingent on being sexually active. Jesus, often The Protestant Church The Catholic Church The Orthodox
considered the ideal human by Christians, was unmarried.
Apostle Paul, key early Christian leader, expressed in a Ministers allowed to “Priests should remain Married men
letter to the Corinthian church, “I wish that all men were get married. Church single because it enables can become
as I am”, in context of whether people should get married, believes that they can them to give themselves to priests, but if
so many scholars take this to mean he was unmarried. serve their God alone with an they are
congregation better if undivided heart” single they
Some Christians believe God plans for some people to they have the support cannot
remain unmarried; expecting unmarried people to remain of a family and if they Priests must be male, single marry once
chaste is not an impossible task. The prevailing belief understand family and celibate; Church they are
among Christians is that God's ideal is for both men and need and pressures. believes they can only fully ordained.
women to maintain virginity until marriage: condemning Single people can focus on God and their job if Bishops must
sexual relationships outside of marriage, whether before a also be ordained they do not have the be celibate.
committed union or through adultery, as morally wrong. distraction of a family
Since 1139, the Roman Catholic Church has mandated Arguments for a married priesthood Arguments against a
priests observe celibacy and chastity; priests are married priesthood
expected to dedicate themselves entirely to the church > More men would become priests if > Shows devotion to God
and their parishioners, and allowing them to marry would they could marry – solve shortage > Shows they are
be deemed unfair to their partners. An exception exists > Children tend to have similar careers different to normal people
for married Anglican priests converting to Catholicism, to their parents; more children would be and very committed to
who can remain married upon becoming priests. likely to be priests God
> Marriage would make them able to > A celibate priesthood is
Catholics only denomination that expect celibacy from relate more to ordinary people a historical belief in the
their priests. Other Anglicans and Catholics sometimes > Protestant ministers can be married Catholic church – followed
choose to become monks and nuns and promise to be and are still respected so Catholic since the 11th Century
celibate. In Orthodox Church Bishops are also celibate. priests should be allowed
, Christian attitudes towards same-sex relationships
Same-sex relationships ...involve
mutual attraction between two men or women, OneBody There is no issue with being a Christian and in practising
commonly referred to as a homosexual or gay OneFaith, same-sex relationship. They believe that human sexuality,
relationship. Sexual attraction to both men and Evangelical sexual orientation and gender identity are all gifts from
women is bisexuality) Fellowship God to be accepted and enjoyed
for Lesbian
The Homosexual Offences (Northern Ireland) and Gay
Order 1982 decriminalised homosexual acts Christians
between consenting adults in NI, following a
European Court of Human Rights case, which The Catholic Homosexual acts are of grave depravity and intrinsically
declared deeming homosexual acts illegal violated Church disordered, not to be approved. Homosexuals are called to
Declaration of Human Rights. In 2009, age of chastity. However, they must be accepted with respect,
homosexual consent in NI was lowered to 16. compassion and discrimination should be avoided if they
are of good will and in search of God; up to them and God,
Biblical teaching on same-sex relationships not our place to judge.
For: The Church Homosexual acts incompatible with the scripture and many
Luke 6:31 – “Do unto others as you would have of Ireland church parishes opposed to homosexual practice.
them do to you”
The Same-sex attractions are part of a teenager’s experience as
1 John 4:7-21 – “Let us love one another, for love Presbyterian they can be promoted in society, but they need help to
comes from God. Everyone who loves has been Church overcome these and understand their sexual identity
born of God and knows God” The Baptist Disagrees entirely with homosexuality – goes against
Church scripture and is not acceptable, but must still treat with
Romans 5:8 – “while we were still sinners, Christ respect
died for us”
Against: Marriage ...is the legal joining together of a man and a woman, for
1st Corinthians 6:9 – “Surely you know that the life, to the exclusion of all others. (defn. excludes same-sex)
wicked will not possess God’s Kingdom. Do not There are two types:
fool yourselves; people who are immoral or who 1) Christian/Religious marriage – a religious ceremony, usually
worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual...” conducted in a church by a minister, with religious vows exchanged
2) Civil marriage – a non-religious ceremony usually held in a registry
Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as office or neutral venue such as a hotel, castle or public building
with a woman; it is an abomination”
Christian/biblical teaching on marriage
Genesis - Sodom and Gomorrah – cities destroyed Marriage is sacred Marriage is exclusive
for sin, homosexuality one of the main ones
God created marriage and The Ten Commandments require
Purposes of Christian marriage intends men and women to a husband and wife to be faithful
become “one” through to each other
1) To publicly declare a couple’s love and commitment to
marriage
one another Exodus 20:14 – “do not commit
2) Sexual union: marriage offers sexual intimacy to a Genesis 2:24 – “man will… be adultery”
couple in an attitude of trust/commitment (Genesis 2:24) united with his wife and they
3) To have children and bring them up in a secure and will become one flesh”
loving environment
4) It is a gift from God which allows a couple to have a Marriage is permanent Marriage is an equal relationship
close companionship for life When Jesus was questioned Paul describes marriage as an
5) To commit yourself to the person you love for life by the Pharisees about equal relationship based on “give
6) For friendship and companionship divorce, he replied by quoting and take” where partners put the
the law of Moses and adding - other’s needs before their own
Christian wedding ceremony
Biblical teaching on marriage is reflected in Christian wedding “What God has joined 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 – “A man
ceremony. Ceremonies vary in each denomination but there together let no-one separate” should fulfil his duty as a
are important features common to all: (this is stated at most wedding husband and a woman should
1) Introduction and declaration of purpose: priest/minister ceremonies) fulfil her duty as a wife and each
introduces service giving a short statement on the should satisfy the other’s needs”
purpose of the ceremony and importance of marriage; Marriage involves give and Marriage should be built on love
In “dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight take and respect
of God and face of this congregation, to join together this
Man and Woman in holy Matrimony” 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 – see In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians
2) Vows: the couple repeat vows to each other – required above he compared the love between a
by law, although wording can be altered by man and woman to the love
Partners should be prepared to Christ has for his church
denomination or couple. Usually follow a similar pattern put each other’s life before
e.g. “I ... take you ... to be my lawful wedded wife/husband. (Ephesians 5:25-33)
Viccy’s To have and to hold from this day forward: for better for their own
worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to Difference between civil marriage and civil partnership
love and to cherish till death do us part” A civil marriage is a marriage that takes place between two
3) Exchanges of rings: rings exchanged as a symbol of people of the opposite sex in a registry office or neutral
Room unending love (a ring has no end) and the exclusive venue. There is no religious element to the ceremony.
commitment which each partner is making
4) Warning: minister quotes Jesus’ words: Mark 10:9 - “Man A civil partnership is a relationship between two people of the
We must not separate what God has joined together” same sex formed when they register as civil partners; they get
5) Pronouncement: in some denom. minister states couple the same rights and responsibilities as a heterosexual married
Play is now married - “I now pronounce you man and wife” couple
6) Signing the register: Legal requirement in which the
Rugby couple (and witnesses) sign a register, after which they’ll Reduction in marriages – less religious people/significance, more
receive a marriage certificate career-focused How to encourage? - financial incentive, grants
, Same-sex marriage ...is the Asher’s Bakery Case Study
Homosexual man Gareth Lee sued Christian-run Asher’s bakery run by
binding/joining of two people of the same sex
Daniel McArthur because they refused to bake a cake with slogan “Support
In England and Wales the Marriage (Same Sex Gay Marriage” on basis of discrimination. First legal action taken in 2014,
Couples) Act 2013 was passed on the 17th July then taken to UK supreme court in 2018 – found Gareth Lee right– took it
2013, and the first marriages of same-sex couples to European supreme court in 2022 and lost.
took place on Saturday 29th March 2014
“The Government believes opening up marriage to
Benefits and challenges of marriage
all couples demonstrates society’s respect for all Marriages have been a part of human culture for millennia and almost all
individuals, regardless of sexuality, making our cultures and religions have some sort of partnership ceremony. However,
society fairer and more inclusive for all its members” marriage has become less popular in recent times, especially in developed
countries, coupled with an increase in divorce rate. The traditional concept
In the Republic of Ireland, May 2015 the decision on of marriage has also been challenged in recent years by gay couples, who
same-sex marriage was put into the hands of the believe should have the same opportunities to get wed as straight couples.
general public via a referendum and the results
approved changing the constitution to give same- Advantages:
sex couples the same marriage rights as
●
Most humans aren’t solitary and crave companionship; life is enhanced
heterosexual couples. when experiences can be shared with another person who has similar
interests and concerns and loves you.
Same-sex marriage was legalised in Northern
●
Most cultures have religions reasons for marriage: religious marriage can
Ireland in October 2019 and the first weddings took be a way for a couple to deepen their bonds to each other, as well as help
place in February 2020. them form a deeper relationship with God and receive His blessing.
●
With or without religion, marriage is an accepted way for two people to
Marriage is not always easy and many couples show their commitment to each other. Couples who marry have been
face problems that can put pressure on their statistically shown to be together longer and more likely to bond for life.
relationship. In Northern Ireland it is estimated a ●
Marriage benefits society generally because it is associated with stable
third of marriages end in separation or divorce, families; produce happier children and a more stable society with less
with 2360 granted in 2015. crime and other social problems.
●
Often financial benefits are associated with marriage; taxes often lower,
and other financial issues associated with legalities e.g. inheritance can
Common pressures on marriage
be easier to sort out when a couple is married. Also shared income
●
Homosexuality ●
Sharing responsibility ●
Marriage is about sharing burdens and responsibilities; less stress, both
●
Addictions ●
Infertility in terms of practicalities and emotional problems, e.g. raising a child is
●
Finances ●
Cheating/adultery relatively easier for two parents than it is for one
●
Depression ●
Health problems ●
Marriage gives a child two parents, which can help child to develop into a
●
Arguments ●
Communication balanced and happy adult. Children have two different role models to
●
Abuse ●
In-laws look up to and twice the potential support, emotionally and practically.
●
Coping with ●
Domestic violence ●
Marriage is a partnership. Burdens and stresses are shared between the
elderly parents ●
Religious differences couple, as are the benefits, material and emotional. It also provides a
●
Bereavement ●
Sexual problems stable environment for one or more children to be raised in.
●
False hopes ●
Time constraints
●
Children ●
Jobs Disadvantages:
●
Fidelity is not a natural state for humans, especially young adults. The
Alternatives to marriage initial excitement of marriage can fade over time, leading to affairs and
Getting married isn’t only way couples can show other forms of infidelity even in the most well-intentioned people.
commitment to each other. Many live together ●
Many couples get stuck in a rut, repeating the same arguments over
without getting married, and same-sex couples can and over; their key differences in personalities never go away. Petty
be committed through civil partnerships problems, irritating habits, become magnified over time.
●
Marriage restricts the freedom of the individual; single people can
Civil partnerships
happily live their lives pretty much as they please without having to be
Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into operation
concerned with the needs or wishes of others
on 5 December 2005, allowing a same-sex couple
to register as civil partners of each other giving
●
Marriage means that couples have to deal with their partner’s family,
them equal treatment as a married couple in a which can be a source of problems and conflict
wide range of legal matters, the first ceremonies ●
Getting married can add lots of extra bureaucracy and red tape to a
being held in NI. Sharon Sickles and Grainne relationship, especially when the wife changes her name and official
Close were among one of the first and took part in documents e.g social security, driving licenses have to be changed
a ceremony in Belfast hall. ●
Society’s moved on; traditional idea of marriage is outdated – rather
than seeing marriage as only way people should follow, we should
Cohabitation embrace various different sorts of human relationships and treat
Cohabitation means to live together as a couple them all equally, e.g. one-parent families, homosexual relationships, etc.
without being married. Some may do this due to ●
Relationships should be purely personal and less formal. Marriage is
commitment issues to get to know them first, which about seeking approval from civil authorities, or a religion, when it
is useful if they break up as it saves money both on should just be the two people in the relationship that matter.
a wedding, and splitting assets and in divorce ●
There can sometimes be situations where there are financial
fees if the couple split. Non-religious people find it disadvantages to being married. Divorce costs can also be huge if
totally acceptable and argue that you don’t need you make a mistake and marry the wrong person.
marriage to show love, trust, commitment, etc. ●
Marriage ceremonies can be very expensive and extremely stressful;
it is not uncommon for relatives to take over and the couple’s wishes to
However, there is no legal recognition, therefore
be sidelined
they are not exempt from the inheritance tax like
married/civilly partnered couples, and do not inherit
●
Marriage can extend the time couples stay together in a bad or
property automatically. The cohabitation contract unhealthy relationship, when it would be better to split, e.g. where the
outlines each partner’s rights and obligations couple are clearly ill-suited, or there’s even physical/emotional abuse
towards each other, and can be a useful reminder going on, they may be tempted to stay together because of
of their original intentions religious/cultural taboos over breaking up the marriage
sexual activity, and most people, especially those with religious beliefs,
Heterosexual A person who is sexually wait until they’re older or even married before they have one. Despite this,
attracted to a member of the societal pressures often encourage early sexual involvement in
opposite sex relationships, the Christian term for this being “pre-marital sex”; in Northern
Homosexual ...to a member of the same sex Ireland, the legal age of consent is 16.
Christians view sexual intercourse as a sacred act reserved for committed,
Celibacy To voluntarily remain married relationships, and advocate for abstinence for individuals who are
single/unmarried and/or abstain not married.
from sex, usually for religious
reasons Church teachings on pre-marital sex:
Marriage A legally binding relationship The “Ideally God meant sex to be enjoyed in...the full commitment
between a man and a woman Presbyterian of marriage. It’s the physical expression of the deeper reality of
Church two becoming one in marriage”
Divorce The legal ending of a marriage
The Church “...human sexuality is a wonderful gift from God and...we urge
Cohabitation The state of living together and of Ireland that young people question any behaviour that devalues this gift,
having a sexual relationship or hinders its fulfilment within the context of marriage”
without being married
The Catholic “Fornication is carnal union between an unmarried man and
Civil A legally recognised union of a
Church woman… gravely contrary to the dignity of persons and of
Partnership couple (In N.I., this is usually a
human sexuality which it is naturally ordered to the good of
same-sex couple), providing
spouses and the generation and education of children”
them with the same rights as a
married couple Christian purpose of sex Christian arguments against pre-
●
To have children marital sex
Annulment A legal ruling that a marriage ●
Create a bond of intimacy Genesis 2:24 “That is why a man
never existed ●
with spouse leaves his father and mother and
Chastity, Virginity and Celibacy
●
Enjoyment is united with his wife, and they
Celibacy is often mutual with the role of a religious become one”
official/devotee. In its narrow sense, it applies to those Reasons for celibacy: ●
Song of Songs: series of love
whose unmarried state is a result of a sacred vow, act of ●
Religious reasons – poems addressed by a man to a
renunciation or religious conviction. so people can devote woman, and woman to a man;
themselves fully to between bride and groom
Although Christians regard sex as a God-created and God and service of ●
Sex is a gift from God that
special aspect of human relationships, the NT contains others, like Christ did
should be enjoyed within a
teachings possibly interpreted to mean that celibacy is ●
Still looking – people marriage (Genesis verse)
considered the ideal state: haven’t found the ●
Lessens risk of STIs +
person they want to
unwanted pregnancies outside
Corinthians 7:32-35, St Paul – “I’d like you to be free from spend the rest of their
of marriage; Presbyterian church
concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the lives with
– “monogamous heterosexual
Lord’s affairs – how he can please the Lord. But a married ●
Divorce – a divorced marriage is still the best defence
man is concerned about this world’s affairs – how he can person may choose against sexually transmitted
please his wife – and his interests are divided... I’m saying not to become involved disease, especially HIV/AIDS”
this for your own good, not to restrict you, but so you may in another relationships
live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.“
●
People can become emotionally
●
Bereavement – person hurt by having sex in a
may not want to be relationship that isn’t a lifelong
Many Christians interpret this as remaining unmarried involved with anyone
allowing individuals more time and energy to focus on commitment – they end up
else feeling devalued and used.
their relationship with God. They believe a fulfilling life is
not contingent on being sexually active. Jesus, often The Protestant Church The Catholic Church The Orthodox
considered the ideal human by Christians, was unmarried.
Apostle Paul, key early Christian leader, expressed in a Ministers allowed to “Priests should remain Married men
letter to the Corinthian church, “I wish that all men were get married. Church single because it enables can become
as I am”, in context of whether people should get married, believes that they can them to give themselves to priests, but if
so many scholars take this to mean he was unmarried. serve their God alone with an they are
congregation better if undivided heart” single they
Some Christians believe God plans for some people to they have the support cannot
remain unmarried; expecting unmarried people to remain of a family and if they Priests must be male, single marry once
chaste is not an impossible task. The prevailing belief understand family and celibate; Church they are
among Christians is that God's ideal is for both men and need and pressures. believes they can only fully ordained.
women to maintain virginity until marriage: condemning Single people can focus on God and their job if Bishops must
sexual relationships outside of marriage, whether before a also be ordained they do not have the be celibate.
committed union or through adultery, as morally wrong. distraction of a family
Since 1139, the Roman Catholic Church has mandated Arguments for a married priesthood Arguments against a
priests observe celibacy and chastity; priests are married priesthood
expected to dedicate themselves entirely to the church > More men would become priests if > Shows devotion to God
and their parishioners, and allowing them to marry would they could marry – solve shortage > Shows they are
be deemed unfair to their partners. An exception exists > Children tend to have similar careers different to normal people
for married Anglican priests converting to Catholicism, to their parents; more children would be and very committed to
who can remain married upon becoming priests. likely to be priests God
> Marriage would make them able to > A celibate priesthood is
Catholics only denomination that expect celibacy from relate more to ordinary people a historical belief in the
their priests. Other Anglicans and Catholics sometimes > Protestant ministers can be married Catholic church – followed
choose to become monks and nuns and promise to be and are still respected so Catholic since the 11th Century
celibate. In Orthodox Church Bishops are also celibate. priests should be allowed
, Christian attitudes towards same-sex relationships
Same-sex relationships ...involve
mutual attraction between two men or women, OneBody There is no issue with being a Christian and in practising
commonly referred to as a homosexual or gay OneFaith, same-sex relationship. They believe that human sexuality,
relationship. Sexual attraction to both men and Evangelical sexual orientation and gender identity are all gifts from
women is bisexuality) Fellowship God to be accepted and enjoyed
for Lesbian
The Homosexual Offences (Northern Ireland) and Gay
Order 1982 decriminalised homosexual acts Christians
between consenting adults in NI, following a
European Court of Human Rights case, which The Catholic Homosexual acts are of grave depravity and intrinsically
declared deeming homosexual acts illegal violated Church disordered, not to be approved. Homosexuals are called to
Declaration of Human Rights. In 2009, age of chastity. However, they must be accepted with respect,
homosexual consent in NI was lowered to 16. compassion and discrimination should be avoided if they
are of good will and in search of God; up to them and God,
Biblical teaching on same-sex relationships not our place to judge.
For: The Church Homosexual acts incompatible with the scripture and many
Luke 6:31 – “Do unto others as you would have of Ireland church parishes opposed to homosexual practice.
them do to you”
The Same-sex attractions are part of a teenager’s experience as
1 John 4:7-21 – “Let us love one another, for love Presbyterian they can be promoted in society, but they need help to
comes from God. Everyone who loves has been Church overcome these and understand their sexual identity
born of God and knows God” The Baptist Disagrees entirely with homosexuality – goes against
Church scripture and is not acceptable, but must still treat with
Romans 5:8 – “while we were still sinners, Christ respect
died for us”
Against: Marriage ...is the legal joining together of a man and a woman, for
1st Corinthians 6:9 – “Surely you know that the life, to the exclusion of all others. (defn. excludes same-sex)
wicked will not possess God’s Kingdom. Do not There are two types:
fool yourselves; people who are immoral or who 1) Christian/Religious marriage – a religious ceremony, usually
worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual...” conducted in a church by a minister, with religious vows exchanged
2) Civil marriage – a non-religious ceremony usually held in a registry
Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as office or neutral venue such as a hotel, castle or public building
with a woman; it is an abomination”
Christian/biblical teaching on marriage
Genesis - Sodom and Gomorrah – cities destroyed Marriage is sacred Marriage is exclusive
for sin, homosexuality one of the main ones
God created marriage and The Ten Commandments require
Purposes of Christian marriage intends men and women to a husband and wife to be faithful
become “one” through to each other
1) To publicly declare a couple’s love and commitment to
marriage
one another Exodus 20:14 – “do not commit
2) Sexual union: marriage offers sexual intimacy to a Genesis 2:24 – “man will… be adultery”
couple in an attitude of trust/commitment (Genesis 2:24) united with his wife and they
3) To have children and bring them up in a secure and will become one flesh”
loving environment
4) It is a gift from God which allows a couple to have a Marriage is permanent Marriage is an equal relationship
close companionship for life When Jesus was questioned Paul describes marriage as an
5) To commit yourself to the person you love for life by the Pharisees about equal relationship based on “give
6) For friendship and companionship divorce, he replied by quoting and take” where partners put the
the law of Moses and adding - other’s needs before their own
Christian wedding ceremony
Biblical teaching on marriage is reflected in Christian wedding “What God has joined 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 – “A man
ceremony. Ceremonies vary in each denomination but there together let no-one separate” should fulfil his duty as a
are important features common to all: (this is stated at most wedding husband and a woman should
1) Introduction and declaration of purpose: priest/minister ceremonies) fulfil her duty as a wife and each
introduces service giving a short statement on the should satisfy the other’s needs”
purpose of the ceremony and importance of marriage; Marriage involves give and Marriage should be built on love
In “dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight take and respect
of God and face of this congregation, to join together this
Man and Woman in holy Matrimony” 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 – see In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians
2) Vows: the couple repeat vows to each other – required above he compared the love between a
by law, although wording can be altered by man and woman to the love
Partners should be prepared to Christ has for his church
denomination or couple. Usually follow a similar pattern put each other’s life before
e.g. “I ... take you ... to be my lawful wedded wife/husband. (Ephesians 5:25-33)
Viccy’s To have and to hold from this day forward: for better for their own
worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to Difference between civil marriage and civil partnership
love and to cherish till death do us part” A civil marriage is a marriage that takes place between two
3) Exchanges of rings: rings exchanged as a symbol of people of the opposite sex in a registry office or neutral
Room unending love (a ring has no end) and the exclusive venue. There is no religious element to the ceremony.
commitment which each partner is making
4) Warning: minister quotes Jesus’ words: Mark 10:9 - “Man A civil partnership is a relationship between two people of the
We must not separate what God has joined together” same sex formed when they register as civil partners; they get
5) Pronouncement: in some denom. minister states couple the same rights and responsibilities as a heterosexual married
Play is now married - “I now pronounce you man and wife” couple
6) Signing the register: Legal requirement in which the
Rugby couple (and witnesses) sign a register, after which they’ll Reduction in marriages – less religious people/significance, more
receive a marriage certificate career-focused How to encourage? - financial incentive, grants
, Same-sex marriage ...is the Asher’s Bakery Case Study
Homosexual man Gareth Lee sued Christian-run Asher’s bakery run by
binding/joining of two people of the same sex
Daniel McArthur because they refused to bake a cake with slogan “Support
In England and Wales the Marriage (Same Sex Gay Marriage” on basis of discrimination. First legal action taken in 2014,
Couples) Act 2013 was passed on the 17th July then taken to UK supreme court in 2018 – found Gareth Lee right– took it
2013, and the first marriages of same-sex couples to European supreme court in 2022 and lost.
took place on Saturday 29th March 2014
“The Government believes opening up marriage to
Benefits and challenges of marriage
all couples demonstrates society’s respect for all Marriages have been a part of human culture for millennia and almost all
individuals, regardless of sexuality, making our cultures and religions have some sort of partnership ceremony. However,
society fairer and more inclusive for all its members” marriage has become less popular in recent times, especially in developed
countries, coupled with an increase in divorce rate. The traditional concept
In the Republic of Ireland, May 2015 the decision on of marriage has also been challenged in recent years by gay couples, who
same-sex marriage was put into the hands of the believe should have the same opportunities to get wed as straight couples.
general public via a referendum and the results
approved changing the constitution to give same- Advantages:
sex couples the same marriage rights as
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Most humans aren’t solitary and crave companionship; life is enhanced
heterosexual couples. when experiences can be shared with another person who has similar
interests and concerns and loves you.
Same-sex marriage was legalised in Northern
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Most cultures have religions reasons for marriage: religious marriage can
Ireland in October 2019 and the first weddings took be a way for a couple to deepen their bonds to each other, as well as help
place in February 2020. them form a deeper relationship with God and receive His blessing.
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With or without religion, marriage is an accepted way for two people to
Marriage is not always easy and many couples show their commitment to each other. Couples who marry have been
face problems that can put pressure on their statistically shown to be together longer and more likely to bond for life.
relationship. In Northern Ireland it is estimated a ●
Marriage benefits society generally because it is associated with stable
third of marriages end in separation or divorce, families; produce happier children and a more stable society with less
with 2360 granted in 2015. crime and other social problems.
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Often financial benefits are associated with marriage; taxes often lower,
and other financial issues associated with legalities e.g. inheritance can
Common pressures on marriage
be easier to sort out when a couple is married. Also shared income
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Homosexuality ●
Sharing responsibility ●
Marriage is about sharing burdens and responsibilities; less stress, both
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Addictions ●
Infertility in terms of practicalities and emotional problems, e.g. raising a child is
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Finances ●
Cheating/adultery relatively easier for two parents than it is for one
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Depression ●
Health problems ●
Marriage gives a child two parents, which can help child to develop into a
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Arguments ●
Communication balanced and happy adult. Children have two different role models to
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Abuse ●
In-laws look up to and twice the potential support, emotionally and practically.
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Coping with ●
Domestic violence ●
Marriage is a partnership. Burdens and stresses are shared between the
elderly parents ●
Religious differences couple, as are the benefits, material and emotional. It also provides a
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Bereavement ●
Sexual problems stable environment for one or more children to be raised in.
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False hopes ●
Time constraints
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Children ●
Jobs Disadvantages:
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Fidelity is not a natural state for humans, especially young adults. The
Alternatives to marriage initial excitement of marriage can fade over time, leading to affairs and
Getting married isn’t only way couples can show other forms of infidelity even in the most well-intentioned people.
commitment to each other. Many live together ●
Many couples get stuck in a rut, repeating the same arguments over
without getting married, and same-sex couples can and over; their key differences in personalities never go away. Petty
be committed through civil partnerships problems, irritating habits, become magnified over time.
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Marriage restricts the freedom of the individual; single people can
Civil partnerships
happily live their lives pretty much as they please without having to be
Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into operation
concerned with the needs or wishes of others
on 5 December 2005, allowing a same-sex couple
to register as civil partners of each other giving
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Marriage means that couples have to deal with their partner’s family,
them equal treatment as a married couple in a which can be a source of problems and conflict
wide range of legal matters, the first ceremonies ●
Getting married can add lots of extra bureaucracy and red tape to a
being held in NI. Sharon Sickles and Grainne relationship, especially when the wife changes her name and official
Close were among one of the first and took part in documents e.g social security, driving licenses have to be changed
a ceremony in Belfast hall. ●
Society’s moved on; traditional idea of marriage is outdated – rather
than seeing marriage as only way people should follow, we should
Cohabitation embrace various different sorts of human relationships and treat
Cohabitation means to live together as a couple them all equally, e.g. one-parent families, homosexual relationships, etc.
without being married. Some may do this due to ●
Relationships should be purely personal and less formal. Marriage is
commitment issues to get to know them first, which about seeking approval from civil authorities, or a religion, when it
is useful if they break up as it saves money both on should just be the two people in the relationship that matter.
a wedding, and splitting assets and in divorce ●
There can sometimes be situations where there are financial
fees if the couple split. Non-religious people find it disadvantages to being married. Divorce costs can also be huge if
totally acceptable and argue that you don’t need you make a mistake and marry the wrong person.
marriage to show love, trust, commitment, etc. ●
Marriage ceremonies can be very expensive and extremely stressful;
it is not uncommon for relatives to take over and the couple’s wishes to
However, there is no legal recognition, therefore
be sidelined
they are not exempt from the inheritance tax like
married/civilly partnered couples, and do not inherit
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Marriage can extend the time couples stay together in a bad or
property automatically. The cohabitation contract unhealthy relationship, when it would be better to split, e.g. where the
outlines each partner’s rights and obligations couple are clearly ill-suited, or there’s even physical/emotional abuse
towards each other, and can be a useful reminder going on, they may be tempted to stay together because of
of their original intentions religious/cultural taboos over breaking up the marriage
