Jim Wallis' latest tome, On God's Side, suggests that we help strengthen it.
Wallis writes:
"Marriage is actually on the decline now around our country across all classes, but especially among low-income people. Research from across the political spectrum - from the liberal Brookings Institution to the conservative Heritage Foundation - shows that marriage is one of the most critical factors in assessing the well-being of children and the common good-period. Children from marriage households do far better in life than children from unmarried households in regard to success in education, avoiding substance abuse and crime, and staying out of poverty."
A crowd of All Faiths Festival clergy crafted and held a press conference to Strengthen Marriage and Family over five years ago.
The document for Macomb County, Michigan, has as its sole purpose the strengthening of marriage.
It has been met by opposing and supportive clergy, among others, of all sorts and positions. It was dismissed by some clergy and other faithful.
It was publicly signed with the support of leaders from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions, among others, and, is available on large posters to stand in your gathering place at worship.
Is it time to revisit this document?
Wallis' subtitle of his book is "What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn't Learned About Serving the Common Good."
The New York Times best-selling author quotes Abraham Lincoln:
"My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side."
No comments:
Post a Comment