Marriage

• Civil partnership


  Legal union of same-sex couples.
• Vows


  Promises made during a marriage ceremony
• Cohabitation


  a couple living together and having a sexual relationship without being married to one another.
• 2 beliefs on the nature of marriage

  In Islam marriage is seen as the foundation for family life and completion of religious responsibility. It is expected to be lifelong, and the example is set by the Prophet Muhammad.

  
  

  Many Christians believe that marriage was one of God's gifts at creation. It's natural for a man and woman to leave their parents and become 'one flesh' through which they bring new life into the world
• Purpose of marriage

  - to start a family

  - to have a sexual relationship

  - fulfil the sacraments
• Arguments for same-sex marriage

  Quakers and the Methodist Church have recognised same-sex marriage. They argue that the Bible says nothing about loving, monogamous same-sex relationships (which didn't exist 2000 years ago in Greco-Roman society). 'One flesh' is a metaphor for commitment - the nature of relationship is more important than the gender of those involved.

  
  

  Quakers argue that rejecting people on the grounds of their sexual orientation is a denial of God's creation. They employ situation ethics and argue that the most loving thing to do is to let people express and declare their love for one another.
• Arguments against same-sex marriage

  Conservative Christians maintain that marriage can only be between one man and one woman. They consider it to be a unique relationship that involves their ability to create new life in the form of children.

  
  

  Islam forbids homosexual acts, and the scripture teaches that those who commit homosexual acts should be dishonoured - but they can be forgiven if they repent. Sexuality is seen as a gift from God that must be used responsibly (e.g., between a man and a woman to have children
• Arguments for cohabitation

  Some Christians, such as Quakers, see cohabitation as acceptable. If the couple are in a loving relationship and are intending to marry but perhaps are unable to afford to marry. Quakers are much less strict than Catholic Christians and are accepting provided the relationship is loving and no one is hurt.

  
  

  Many Anglicans accept that although marriage is the ideal for romantic and sexual relationships. But the CofE will accept cohabitation provided it leads to marriage. Given at least 40% of marriages end in divorce a 'trial run' could help couples before making a lifelong commitment through marriage.
• Arguments against cohabitation

  Christians who are opposed to sex before marriage believe cohabitation is sinful. The Orthodox Church, for example, is opposed to any recognition of a sexual relationship outside a Christian marriage.

  
  

  Many Catholic Christians believe that cohabitation destroys the sanctity of the sacrament of marriage. It undermines marriage, the purpose of which is procreation, by suggesting it isn't important contrary to the teaching of the Church