Month of marriage focus gets widespread support

Across Australia, Christian churches and networks will unite in prayer

A call to make October a month of prayer for (traditional) marriage – issued by the Australian Catholic Marriage and Family Council – has been endorsed by a wide variety of other Christian networks.

Approximately one dozen denominational leaders, church network leaders and prayer leaders have called for Australia’s Christian churches and organisations to get behind this important call for prayer.

“The Lutheran Church of Australia and the National Office of the Baptist Church of Australia have confirmed their support for this crucial prayer call,” says James Condon, a former commissioner (head) of the Salvation Army. “Last week I spoke to the Sydney Anglican Archbishop, Glenn Davies, and he assured me of the Sydney Anglican Diocese support for this wonderful initiative.

“Key Christian Aboriginal leaders are also supporting this call for prayer and fasting, to protect marriage from redefinition. Marriage between a man and a woman is sacred in Indigenous culture.”

Also endorsing the month of prayer is the Assembly of Confessing Congregations, a conservative group within the Uniting Church of Australia.

“We hope in this time of national conversation on the subject of marriage, we can encourage all to pray for the well-being of marriages and families.”

The “National Day of Prayer and Fasting” team has co-ordinated this widespread response to the Catholic call.

“Together, all these leaders congratulate the Catholic Church for showing leadership and taking the initiative on this important issue,” says Warwick Marsh, from the national team.

The Australian Catholic Marriage and Family Council (ACMFC) states: “We hope in this time of national conversation on the subject of marriage, we can encourage all to pray for the well-being of marriages and families, and in a particular way, for people who are same-sex attracted or gender questioning.”

The ACMFC has created a prayer resource for parishes.

The National Day of Prayer and Fasting resource includes a daily prayer email.

 

Pray

Some prayer points to help

Throughout October, pray that God’s design for marriage will be celebrated across Australia, and that those impacted by the same-sex marriage debate are able to express their views with respect and sensitivity.