Covenant Marriage Helps Prevent Couples From Going From 'I Do' to 'I Don't'

Covenant Marriage Helps Prevent Couples From Going From 'I Do' to 'I Don't' COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- With divorce rates hovering near the 50 percent mark, many couples are looking for a roadblock that keeps divorce from becoming an easy out. For many couples, a covenant marriage appears to be a perfect solution and several prominent Christian organizations are supporting the movement, including Focus on the Family (www.family.org). Covenant marriages, which help preserve marriage through more stringent divorce criteria, are a legal option for couples in Arizona, Louisiana and Arkansas. Many states are trying to follow suit with similar legislation. "Covenant marriage offers couples the option of installing speed bumps by being held to a higher level of marital commitment," said Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who will convert his longtime marriage into a covenant marriage during a public Valentine's Day ceremony. "My hope is that as this concept catches on across the country, more couples will choose this option and we will see our nation's troubling divorce rate dive." The growing phenomenon of covenant marriage isn't limited to states where the option is legislated. The concept of covenant marriage began as a way for couples to renew and strengthen their marriages. And though many herald the spread of legislation, a strong focus on non-governmental covenant marriage remains. The Covenant Marriage Movement (www.covenantmarriage.com) is trying to increase awareness of covenant marriages and has partnered with Focus on the Family, to promote Covenant Marriage Sunday, which is scheduled for Feb. 13, and encourage couples to increase the level of commitment in their relationships. "Whether couples have an opportunity to legally convert their marriage to a covenant marriage or not they can still affirm their belief in and willingness to live according to the biblical principles of covenant. The Covenant Marriage Sunday is designed to allow couples the opportunity to do just that," said Phil Waugh, executive director of the Covenant Marriage Movement. Last year, over 500 congregations participated in the event, but organizers are expecting more than 5,000 to join the movement this year. The Covenant Marriage Movement, founded in 1999, is supported by over 60 prominent Christian ministries, including Focus on the Family, Promise Keepers and Lifeway. For more information on Covenant Marriage Sunday visit www.covenantmarriage.com. Source: Focus on the Family CONTACT: Christina Loznicka of Focus on the Family, +1-719-531-3386, lozniccm@fotf.org Web site: http://www.covenantmarriage.com/ Web site: http://www.family.org/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Interviews available ------- Profile: International Entertainment