The Australian Bureau of Statistics has a host of information on marriage, and it comes as no surprise to anyone that the high divorce rate reported there is correlated with a high number of second and third and fourth marriages.
This multiple marriage situation reveals that whatever the personal situation of the bride and groom, marriage still brings with it a dream of the future. It is this message that M V Tronson, a Baptist minister of 31 years, is seeing revealed within the messages by Christian ministers in Christian wedding services of those people engaging in second marriages.
There seems to be acknowledgment by these Christian ministers of the way society has been viewing marriage. Recent messages that Mark Tronson has heard have indicated a fresh recognition that 'relationship security' is the cornerstone of a stable society that radiates from the man and woman involved, but also, through their children to the broader society.
"A poignant aspect of these messages at the wedding services we've attended has included a section of the talk directed specifically and unequivocally to the children of both parties," M V Tronson mused. "The theme has been that every marriage 'helps to secure' stability in our community."
The focus he says, has changed over recent years. Rather than the Minister advising the bride and groom on their relationship as in the past, these Ministers have put challenges directly before the children from both parties, as if to say, 'back off' and 'keep out' as marriage, any marriage, requires independence. Second marriages deserve, and are entitled to, a fresh start.
"Reflecting theologically, the marriage message of leaving your father and your mother and cleaving to each other has been transferred to the children of the second marriage partners, to that of 'allowing' your father and your mother to bond to their new partners," M V Tronson stated.