Explain how the rituals and vows connected with Christian marriage ceremonies might influence the differing ways that couples approach marriage and marital breakdown.

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Explain how the rituals and vows connected with Christian marriage ceremonies might influence the differing ways that couples approach marriage and marital breakdown.

Marriage is regarded as a sacrament in Roman Catholic Church and also in some Churches of the Anglo-Catholic tradition. It is therefore an indissoluble bond. Another teaching is marriage is that marriage is a permanent relationship and can only be ended by death or annulment in very special circumstances; divorce is unacceptable. The vows said at a wedding back this up: "I (name) do take thee (name) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part" and "love and honour each other for life". Marriage is believed to be a sacrament because God's love for the Church is reflected in the couple's love.

This is the order of a Roman Catholic marriage service:

. The Introductory Rites

Entrance Antiphon

Candle Ceremony

Greeting

Penitential Rite

Opening Prayer

2. Liturgy of the Word

Old Testament Reading

Responsorial Psalm

New Testament Reading

Alleluia Acclamation

The Gospel Reading

(followed by the Sermon or Homily).

3. The Rite of Marriage

The Address

Declaration of Consent

Blessing of the Rings

Exchange of Gifts (Optional)

Candle Ceremony (Optional)

Prayer of the Newly Married Couple (Optional)

Prayers of the Faithful

4. The Liturgy of the Eucharist

Prayer over the Gifts

The Preface

Acclamation of the People

Nuptial Blessing

Communion Antiphon

Prayer After Communion

5. Concluding Rite

Blessing

Dismissal

Marriage is a life long commitment between two people who have vowed to each other before God and witnesses. It was ordained by God at the Creation in order to let human participate in the creation by the producing and nurturing of Children (Genesis 1:27, 2:10-24). Marriage is to help God to continue the human race and to give children a stable and secure upbringing, "...accept children lovingly from God".

Marriage is considered to be a relationship of equals with mutual caring, sharing and sacrifice. The Nuptial Blessing prays that the husband will treat his wife as an "equal". Also, marriage, should enhance the self-worth and spiritual growth of both partners as they get love, support and care from each other and enjoy a fulfilling sexual relationship.
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Methodists believe " Christian marriage has a twofold purpose-fellowship and parenthood. Permanence in the union is an essential condition. It both expresses and develops not only constancy in affection, but also spiritual qualities of trust, faithfulness, mutual consideration, reverence and love"

When Pope John Paul II made his pastoral visit to Britain in 1982, he spoke about marriage. He presented this vision of married life:

" A man and a woman pledge themselves to one another in an unbreakable alliance of total mutual self-giving. A total union of love. Love that is not a passing emotion ...

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