wfn.org | Family proposals: marriage is key, say churches

["EAUK Press Office" <press@eauk.org>]

For Immediate Release: 23rd July 1998

Government proposals to strengthen families could fail without a
new willingness from couples to work harder at their marriages
and make greater sacrifices for their children, the Evangelical
Alliance UK, said today.

Welcoming an announcement by Home Secretary, Jack Straw, of a new
National Family and Parenting Institute, backed by a helpline for
parents, the Alliance called for more 'family-friendly' policies
in the fields of taxation, education, housing and employment.

Martyn Eden, public affairs director of the Alliance, which
represents more than a million churchgoers from 30 denominations,
commented: "Jack Straw's announcements in support of families are
among the most encouraging I have heard for some considerable
time. The national institute will help tackle the crisis in
families.  But for it to be effective there must also be a
dramatic shift away from the self-centred approach to marriage in
which couples too readily walk away from relationships instead of
making sacrifices to stay together."

Mr Eden, speaking earlier on Radio Four's Today programme said
the new government policies would be more effective if delivered
in partnership with churches and other community groups who
regularly helped families during times of crisis. 

The Evangelical Alliance, which recently published a major report
on the causes of social breakdown, said a positive media
portrayal of marriage and more creative approaches by churches in
affirming and supporting marriage would compliment the
government's intentions. 

ENDS

For further information, contact:

Keith Ewing, kewing@eauk.org 
0171 207 2116 or + 44 171 207 2116 

or
Gavin Drake, gdrake@eauk.org
0171 207 2117 or + 44 171 207 2117

Evangelical Alliance UK,
Whitefield House,
186 Kennington Park Road,
London, SE11  4BT

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