Marriage

Marriage and Family

Family Resources

As the debate continues around marriage, questions are being raised about how redefining marriage impacts family.

Marriage: A United Church of Canada Understanding (2005) [PDF: 9 pp/78 KB]

A discussion paper on marriage in The United Church of Canada (2005).

Marriage Preparation

Gay Male and Lesbian Partner Program

rev. ed., Ann Chidwick (Guelph, ON: Family Life Education Services, 2002)

An enrichment program for gay and lesbian couples who want to deepen their relationship. Created with wide consultation in The United Church of Canada.

New Beginnings: A Remarriage Preparation Program Manual

rev. ed. (Guelph, ON: Family Life Education Services, 2002)

A program for couples in second or third marriages.

Passion and Freedom

(Toronto: United Church Publishing House, 2003)

A faith-based resource that addresses all stages of a committed life partnership, both heterosexual and same-sex. Offers an overview of pastoral issues, some orientation to common underlying patterns, and practical ways to encourage couples to find and live out their call from God in the world.

When a Couple Marries: Interdenominational Version

(Ottawa: Novalis, 1991)

A comprehensive marriage preparation program set out in a practical set of booklets and workbooks. Aimed at heterosexual couples (by language and illustrations), although much of the material would be useful to any couple.

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Interfaith Marriage

• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Interfaith Relationships, Laurie Rozakis (Alpha Books, 2001)
• Intermarriage and Conversion: A Halakhic Solution, Rabbi J. Simcha Cohen (Jersey City, NJ: Ktav, 1987)
• Mixed Blessings: Overcoming the Stumbling Blocks in an Interfaith Marriage, Paul Cowan with Rachel Cowan (New York: Penguin, 1988)
• Jewish-Christian Marriage: Written by the Rev. Jennifer Palin (2004) as an update to Passion and Freedom.
• Mixed Matches: How to Create Successful Interracial, Interethnic, and Interfaith Relationships, Joel Crohn (New York: Ballantine, 1995)
• Raising Your Jewish/Christian Child: How Interfaith Parents Can Give Children the Best of Both Their Heritages, rev. ed., Lee F. Gruzen (New York: Newmarket Press, 2001)
• Stories of Interfaith Families (Toronto: The United Church of Canada, 1994)
  Examines the experience of people living with some form of interfaith alliance in their families. Aims to encourage Christian congregations to provide real support to interfaith families among them. Available from UCRDstore.
• Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up among Worlds, David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken (Yarmouth, ME: Nicholas Brealey/Intercultural Press, 2001)
• Together in Christ: The Hope and Promise of Christian Marriage, Commission on Faith and Witness, Canadian Council of Churches (Ottawa: Novalis, 2000)
  A collection of denominational essays containing both theological and practical information, this book is a tool for ministers and couples preparing for interchurch marriage. The introduction sets out common elements of Christian theology of marriage.

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Interracial Marriage

Tales of Interracial Marriage

edited by Greer Anne Ng (Toronto: The United Church of Canada, 1993)

Four stories and workshop suggestions that raise awareness of the difficulties interracially married couples and their children face, and the treasures of their cultural roots in their faith journeys. Available from UCRDstore.

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Marriage Services

Celebrate God's Presence: A Book of Services for The United Church of Canada

(Toronto: United Church Publishing House, 2000)

A service-planning resource for worship leaders. Includes comprehensive resources for various services, including four marriage services. Also includes selected prayers and vows for Covenant of Marriage and Life Partnership, written in nine different languages. CD-ROM sold separately. Available from UCRDstore.

• Scripture Suggestions for Covenant of Marriage and Life Partnerships (from Celebrate God's Presence, p. 439)
• Hymn, Scripture Song, and Psalm Suggestions for Covenant of Marriage and Life Partnership (from Celebrate God's Presence, p. 440)
• Prayers for Various Pastoral Occasions (When one partner leaves from Celebrate God's Presence, p. 557)

Together in Faith: Inclusive Resources about Sexual Diversity for Study, Dialogue, Celebration, and Action

(Toronto: The United Church of Canada, 1995)

Designed to assist congregations who wish to examine what it means to become more inclusive of gays and lesbians, including the possibility of developing and providing services for same-sex couples. Available from UCRDstore.

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Same-Sex Marriage

Resources to help congregations engage in a discussion on same-sex marriage:

The Authority and Interpretation of Scripture [PDF: 49 pp/367 KB]

A 1992 statement in response to the question: What authority does the Bible have for The United Church of Canada and how does that authority arise?

Congregations Talking about Homosexuality

edited by Beth Ann Gaede (Herndon, VA: The Alban Institute, 1998)

This book offers a deliberate process and provides case studies for reflection and guidance as a congregation seeks to engage in this conversation.

Daring to Be United: Including Lesbians and Gays in The United Church of Canada

Alyson Huntly (Toronto: United Church Publishing House, 1998)

Stories of hope, change, healing and transformation in the decade since 1988. Available from UCRDstore.

Homosexuality and the Bible*

Walter Wink

The debate over homosexuality raises numerous issues of how we interpret the Bible today.

Of Love and Justice: Towards the Civil Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage

(Toronto: The United Church of Canada, 2003)

Developed in response to the resolutions passed by the 37th and 38th General Councils. This resource offers four workshops to help a congregation or a group within the congregation to explore civil recognition of same-sex relationships from a faith and justice perspective. It also offers a process for congregational decision making on same-sex marriage. Available from UCRDstore.

Same-Sex Marriage: A Christian Ethical Analysis

Marvin M. Ellison (Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim Press, 2004)

From a theological and ethical perspective, Ellison offers a forum to explore same-sex marriage.

Together in Faith: Inclusive Resources about Sexual Diversity for Study, Dialogue, Celebration, and Action

(Toronto: The United Church of Canada, 1995)

Designed to assist congregations who wish to examine what it means to become more inclusive of gays and lesbians, including the possibility of developing and providing services for same-sex couples. Available from UCRDstore.

What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality

Daniel A. Helminiak (San Francisco: Alamo Square Press, 2000)

Helminiak has studied recent scholarship and shares insights around the issue of homosexuality and the Bible.

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Videos

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage

Spirit Connection (May 2004)

Available to borrow from AVEL.

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Websites

Affirm United / S'Affirmer Ensemble*

An organization working through education and social integration for the welcoming of diverse peoples, especially the inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in the life and work of The United Church of Canada. Includes information on the Affirming Congregations and Ministries Program.

Egale Canada*

Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere

Enrich Canada: Helping to Build Stronger Marriages*

An organization that provides marriage preparation and enrichment programs.

Family Pride Canada*

An online resource centre for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parents and their families.

Smart Marriages*

The Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education

An interesting American organization that brings together a wide range of groups, some leaning more toward the right and others more liberal, all concerned with strengthening marriages today.