Yet couples who participate, such as the Sieblers, say that there is a need for such gatherings. They're looking for anything that will work. Political correctness put it in the far-right camp. But all of a sudden, more liberal groups are also worried about divorce. Bill Doherty, president of the National Council on Family Relations, sees the anti-divorce movement as part of broader cultural shifts in recent years that focus on the community and responsibility.
Marriage is the best, most obvious way to keep people off welfare.
Marriages that last are hardly seen in the media, and the qualities needed to make a marriage last are certainly obscure to the general public and the churches. To highlight those qualities, Mr. McManus brings together clergy from many denominations in a city. They agree to provide premarital counseling that includes communication skills. In 22 cities, the divorce rate has dropped. McManus also trains couples with strong marriages to mentor other couples.