Introduction/ Background:
In the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, we find the following statement regarding divorce: "Divorce-God's plan is for lifelong, faithful marriage." The church must be on the forefront of premarital and postmarital counseling in order to create and preserve strong marriages. However, when a married couple is estranged beyond reconciliation, even after thoughtful consideration and counsel, divorce is a regrettable alternative in the midst of brokenness. We grieve over the devastating emotional, spiritual, and economic consequences of divorce for all involved and are concerned about high divorce rates."
-From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2004. Copyright 2004 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.
Where the UMC Stands:
Because the church believes so strongly in marriage, the struggle for how to deal with divorce was one that has evolved over time. The 1944 Discipline expressed concern for the increase in divorce in the United States. At the 1952 General Conference the church again affirmed that divorce was not the answer, while also expressing concern for those who had experienced the break-up of a marriage. By 1960, the United Methodist Church declared its position of support for marriage while allowing for divorce. However, many congregations still struggle with how to be supportive to individuals in the midst of divorce, and individuals still leave congregations when they divorce.
What We're Doing in This World:
Divorce ministries in United Methodist congregations have traditionally included divorce recovery classes for adults, and in some cases, for children and youth whose parents are divorcing. These ministries may also be shared among several congregations instead of in a single church in a community. The focus of divorce recovery classes has been to enable individuals to regain a sense of wholeness and health in the midst of and following divorce. Included is usually an understanding of the grief process, skills for moving successfully into life without a partner, group support, and opportunities to grow in faith.
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