Take out an insurance policy for marriage

Divorce refers to that person who did not manage to commit to a relationship with another person even though a trial engagement period elapsed. The engagement and a part of married life were not successful. Throughout this period, various obstacles successfully prevented the union from being fulfilled.

The repercussions of his separation will not only affect the two people who were together but also the children, the parents and anybody else who cares.

The person who divorces will have a stigma. He may not be capable of holding on to a relationship. Can s/he be trustworthy in business? Would you prefer to do business with a divorced person or with a person whose marriage is strong? Mind you, even if the fault lies more on one party than on the other, both parties would be to blame.

Resources will be split. There will be two smaller accommodation units instead of a larger one. Two electricity bills instead of one. It is a known fact that people who divorce do not find lasting relationships. Correction or, rather, forgiveness to enable a relationship to endure is essential.

The Church should be in favour of marriage and not against divorce. Young people find divorce an easy solution to a problem. Instead of finding a solution, trying mediation or other solutions, one just leaves the other party! Many consider it as a solution to aggression in marriage. It is not the solution.

Should we legislate for the few to be happy or should we legislate to ensure the majority can maintain their happiness without any easy solution to opt out when in troubled waters?

Divorce may be a solution for the direct parties involved, the husband and the wife. It is definitely not a solution to the parents of the parties and their children. No legislation can safeguard their happiness.

The divorce Private Member’s Bill presented in Parliament was not on the political parties’ programme but this matter is now on the agenda of the country.

Both political parties have declared they will allow their members to have a free vote on the issue. Now, one will realise what parliamentarians are made of. Either way, their vote will definitely have a bearing on their re-election chances.

Divorce is defined as the termination of marriage; the termination of legal responsibilities. It cancels the responsibilities that come with marriage.

Divorce involves the issues of child support, distribution of properties, child custody etc... In certain cases, children are used as pawns in divorce proceedings.

It is important that one addresses the new trend of intercultural marriages. The state/Church should educate youths about the requirements of various religions before the parties enter into a commitment. The preparation for marriage should change. This should not start as a preparation to marriage but as an encounter with Christ during life.

It is known that marriages between people of different faiths were three times more likely to end up in divorce than between people of the same faith. Similarly, cohabitation is closely linked with higher divorce rates. Following the trend is not necessarily the right thing to do. Let us educate ourselves further and not just do what others do just because it suits somebody.

The Church should take new initiatives to promote and strengthen marriage.

The Church can offer an insurance policy for marriages. Just as one insures his home, car or valuables, one should be able to insure a marriage. The broker is “God”, represented by the priest who married the couple. Yes, couples should regularly meet the priest who officiated their wedding ceremony to strengthen their relationship. When a problem arises all one would have to do is contact the priest to discuss the problem. Yes, they can have a reference person who can help. This person has a face couples know. They don’t have to discuss their problem with a person they don’t know but with somebody who is familiar with their social history, who can guide them through to healing. However, if all is well, they would still have to pay the annual premium. Just enjoy a nice evening discussing success with him.