Robyn Rodgers, Long's daughter, was the first to be married at Bethany under the new regime. As this issue went to press, denominational officials were planning an April ceremony in which about 300 church delegates will convert their marriages to covenant agreements. Pastors and parishioners alike stress the importance of setting an example of strong marriages for other couples and their families. At numerous ceremonies around the state, couples converting to covenant unions celebrate amid throngs of children. It will cause couples to think more seriously about what they're getting ready to do.
Sociologists tend to agree.
They say people rarely change their behaviors simply in response to a law or public pronouncement. With more role models and public examples, the law's standard is likely to gradually seep into the public consciousness. Why Counseling Is Not Optional Making a lifelong commitment is one thing, of course. Keeping it often requires help. Supporters say one of the law's most important dictates is that struggling couples must agree to counseling before they can take steps toward dissolving their union.