Sign the Central Ohio Community Marriage Policy

We the undersigned Faith-Based Leaders of Central Ohio agree and pledge to serve our community and congregations by strengthening marriages through: preparing couples for a lifelong marriage, enriching existing marriages, and saving troubled marriages. We are committed to do everything we can to stem the tide of marital breakdowns and promote healthy marriages. As a community association, we have adopted the following framework for preparing couples for marriage and supporting marriage in our community:

Goal 1: We agree to require ample time for preparation prior to the wedding date. We shall also require 8-12 hours of premarital counseling sessions, using appropriate tools, inventories and mentoring to prepare couples for the covenant of marriage. Skills of communication, conflict resolution, and faith-based principles for successful marriages will be taught.

Goal 2: We agree to provide marriage enrichment opportunities and resources. Collectively, we will provide an annual renewal opportunity for married couples in our community.

Goal 3: We agree to provide support and reconciliation mechanisms for couples in troubled marriages and spouses who are separated.

Goal 4: We agree to require a waiting period and a remarriage preparation process including skills training for couples considering remarriage after a divorce.

Goal 5: We agree to provide support, resources, and enrichment opportunities for young families and stepfamilies.

Goal 6: We shall provide educational opportunities for our youth on the foundation and significance of marriage and the values of our community.

*The Ohio Constitution defines marriage as exclusively between one man and one woman as husband and wife.

I personally commit to the pursuit of these goals. I will pursue their further endorsement and incorporation by my congregation or parish and our larger administrative organization - for the glory of God, the sake of the family, and the good of our whole community. We will strive to identify a ‘marriage champion’ individual or couple in our church/ministry to help us pursue growth toward these goals.