The Archbishop’s report on families is a capitulation to our times

The CofE’s Love Matters does not do enough to emphasise why the traditional Christian view on marriage is still the most secure structure within which to raise children and protect long term relationships, says Harry Benson

Yesterday marked the launch of  Love Matters, the Church of England’s report on families and households, commissioned by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. The Marriage Foundation, of which I am a part, contributed extensively to the commission and one of our contributions actually makes a highlighted appearance on page 44, without a namecheck.

Alas, the section in which it appears is titled “Celebrating diversity in family life” - which says it all. One of the key recommendations is that “It is critical to recognise and value all kinds of loving couple relationships” - something of a departure from the traditional Christian message. We should love all people regardless, but that does not mean affirming behaviours that might be harmful or not in our best interests. Love the sinner, not the sin, sort of thing.