Christianity

• Pope Francis described family as ' the essential cell of society'
• it is important to pray and celebrate festivals such as Christmad and Easter as a family
• Mothers and Fathers are expected to play an equally important role in family life although they might have different responsibilities
• In the Ten Commandments children are expected to honour their parents, this could be to obey them or look after them when they are old
• marriage is a sacrament in some traditions ( e.g Catholics) and is performed by a vicar or minister
• The vows taken in a marriage ceremony shows lifelong commitment. ' in sickness and in health'
• The exchange of rings during a marriage ceremony declares eternal love
• sexual relationships are considered sacred and special so adultery, cohabitation are prohibited
• Some anglicans allow cohabitations in committed relationships whereas catholic and orthodox do not
• Adultery breaks the vows made at the wedding, The Ten Commandments forbid any forms of it as it may harm the family unit
• Divorce is accepted as a legal ending of marriage but is not preferred and every effort of reconciliation must be made.
• The Catholic church view on divorce

  • Marriage is a lifelong commitment that only ends at death
  • Marriage is a sacrament and cannot be dissolved
  • Remarriage is not possible
  • Annulment is available so only at that point , remarriage is possible
• Sex is holy and sacred therefore needs to take place within a committed relationship such as marriage
• casual sex devalues people and relationships, and is often used as a way to avoid commitment
• Contraceptives are allowed for many christians if both partners allow it however for catholics its is not allowed ( only natural methods)- it goes against the Natural Law
• Many christians oppose same-sex relationships and marriage because they believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. In Leviticus , Same sex relations are said to be a ' disgusting thing' punishable by death
• Quakers have allowed same sex marriages
• Catholics prohibit same sex marriage as they see marriage as union between a man and a woman
• Roles of men and women are taught to be equally important but might be different.
• Catholics allow women to have an active role within the church such as being a sister or a nun however they cannot be ordained. Pope Francis has emphasised the importance of women in the church.