Marriage

• What is Marriage?

  A legal union between a man and a woman as partners in a relationship (Or in some countries like the UK, two people of the same sex)
• What is same sex marriage?

  A legal union between two people of the same sex as partners in a relationship
• What is Cohabitation?

  A couple living together and having a sexual relationship without being married
• Cohabitation is common in Britain today , but not all Hindus and Christians agree with it
• What are Non-religious views on marriage?

  It is a legal union between two people in a relationship - It is a serious lifelong commitment in public to another person - It provides legal and financial benefits
• What are Hindu views on marriage?

  Hindu marriages are traditionally arranged by parents - traditionally marriage partners come from within the same social group (marriage to non-Hindus is discouraged) - marriage is a part of life at the householder stage
• Some Hindu parents consult a guru or horoscope about the suitability of the person of the person or time chosen for their child's marriage
• What are Hindu views on same sex marriage?

  Liberal Hindu communities would not have a problem with Hindu ceremonies celebrating same sex marriage - Traditional and conservative Hindus night not agree
• What are Christian views on marriage?

  It is a gift from God and part of the natural law - It is a covenant (agreement) before God in which the couple promises to live faithfully together till death - It is a unique relationship between a man and woman that can create new life
• Christians believe marriage is a spiritual bond that reflects the love of Christ for the Church
• Christians believe that marriage is the place to enjoy sex , raise children in a religious faith and provide a secure stable environment for family
• Why do many couples in Britain cohabit before they get married or without ever getting married?

  They may want to se if the relationship will work before getting married , or may not believe it is necessary to get married
• Why do Catholic and Orthodox Churches oppose cohabitation?

  They believe sex should only take place within marriage
• Anglican and Protestant Christians accept that although marriage is best , people may cohabit in a faithful , loving , committed way without being married
• In Hinduism , cohabitation is generally disapproved of but it is becoming more accepted in modern society
• Hindu weddings are expensive , so some couples may cohabit first to save money for it
• " Be fruitful and increase in number " Genesis 1 : 28 - Christian view on purpose of marriage