Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
We’ve been lied to about divorce rates!
Dear marriage supporter,
I recently had the joy of catching up with Shaunti Feldhahn, an author whose work has significantly changed how many people view marriage. Shaunti’s books, such as The Good News About Marriage and For Women Only, have helped couples everywhere see the true value of marriage and understand each other better. Watch our full conversation online to hear Shaunti’s insights firsthand:
Shaunti challenges the widely believed statistic that ‘half of all marriages end in divorce’, calling it a harmful myth. Her research, spanning over 20 years, shows that the actual divorce rate is closer to 25%, and even lower for couples who attend church regularly. According to Shaunti, “Most people just enjoy being married.” In fact, she says 71% of Americans are still married to their first spouse. The remaining 29% includes those whose partner has died.
Shaunti also highlights that marriage is not only resilient but often happy: over 80% of couples report they are happy in their marriage. We discuss the misconceptions about high divorce rates that discourage people from committing to marriage – it’s time for that narrative to change.
One key insight is that marriage brings happiness. Shaunti’s findings show that married people are among the happiest, something that both The Good News About Marriage and research by others like Brad Wilcox support. The interview further explores some of the simple but often overlooked factors that make marriages thrive, such as understanding each other’s insecurities and actively showing appreciation. Generally speaking, Shaunti says, women need to know they’re loved no matter what, while men want to feel they are worthy of respect.
Shaunti’s work is a compelling reminder that marriage is worth celebrating and defending.
At C4M, we believe in promoting the truth about real marriage. We invite you to watch the interview and share it with others (especially struggling couples), to encourage them. Together, let’s spread the positive – and truthful – message: real marriage really works.
If you would like to support us financially, you can do so via the donate button at c4m.org.uk
Dr Tony Rucinski
facebook.com/coalition4marriage
We’ve been lied to about divorce rates!
Dear marriage supporter,
I recently had the joy of catching up with Shaunti Feldhahn, an author whose work has significantly changed how many people view marriage. Shaunti’s books, such as The Good News About Marriage and For Women Only, have helped couples everywhere see the true value of marriage and understand each other better. Watch our full conversation online to hear Shaunti’s insights firsthand:
Shaunti challenges the widely believed statistic that ‘half of all marriages end in divorce’, calling it a harmful myth. Her research, spanning over 20 years, shows that the actual divorce rate is closer to 25%, and even lower for couples who attend church regularly. According to Shaunti, “Most people just enjoy being married.” In fact, she says 71% of Americans are still married to their first spouse. The remaining 29% includes those whose partner has died.
Shaunti also highlights that marriage is not only resilient but often happy: over 80% of couples report they are happy in their marriage. We discuss the misconceptions about high divorce rates that discourage people from committing to marriage – it’s time for that narrative to change.
One key insight is that marriage brings happiness. Shaunti’s findings show that married people are among the happiest, something that both The Good News About Marriage and research by others like Brad Wilcox support. The interview further explores some of the simple but often overlooked factors that make marriages thrive, such as understanding each other’s insecurities and actively showing appreciation. Generally speaking, Shaunti says, women need to know they’re loved no matter what, while men want to feel they are worthy of respect.
Shaunti’s work is a compelling reminder that marriage is worth celebrating and defending.
At C4M, we believe in promoting the truth about real marriage. We invite you to watch the interview and share it with others (especially struggling couples), to encourage them. Together, let’s spread the positive – and truthful – message: real marriage really works.
If you would like to support us financially, you can do so via the donate button at c4m.org.uk
Dr Tony Rucinski
facebook.com/coalition4marriage
![The Cousin Marriage Debate - Tim Dieppe interview with Tony Rucinski
Dear marriage supporter,
Tim Dieppe is Head of Public Policy at Christian Concern. He sat down with me to unpack the arguments around cousin marriage from a recent article he wrote and why this matters for marriage as a public institution. You can listen to Tim explain his arguments fully in our discusion here:
This debate has been back in the news. NHS England has faced scrutiny over training materials that reportedly spoke of “potential benefits” of first-cousin marriage, and suggested genetic risks had been “exaggerated”.
Tim’s argument begins with a simple premise about what marriage is: “I think marriage is meant to be a public institution endorsed by the state and protected by law”. That is why he argues the cousin marriage question cannot be shrugged off as a technicality.
He presses a practical point that is often missed: “Let’s ensure that [all] marriages are registered.” Registration is the gateway to legal protection, particularly for women, when relationships break down. C4M has written about this previously.
A wider theme in the discussion is kinship and coercion. Dieppe argues that restricting close-kin marriage historically helped loosen the grip of coercive clan structures: “The effect of this was to effectively undermine the clan system whereby people are very loyal to their clan”. In that reading, the issue is not only health risk. It is also about freedom and the shape of civic life, he explains.
Tim also tackles a common Christian objection head on: “People say the Bible doesn’t prohibit cousin marriage, therefore we shouldn’t”. His response is that public policy has to deal with modern safeguarding, women’s legal protections, and the reality of coercion.
This subject matters because marriage remains the dominant family form, not a niche choice. The Office for National Statistics estimates that married couple families were still the most common family type in the UK in 2024, making up 65.1% of all families.
Coalition for Marriage supporters come from all faiths and none, and from across the political spectrum. Our common purpose is simple: to champion the original definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and to do so calmly and lawfully, drawing on evidence about family stability and child wellbeing.
If you’re not already supporting C4M financially but would like to help, please click the donate button at http://www.c4m.org.uk
Dr Tony Rucinski
https://www.facebook.com/coalition4marriage/ The Cousin Marriage Debate - Tim Dieppe interview with Tony Rucinski](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PG3zABhlM-c/mqdefault.jpg)
![Help “Stop the decay” of society by promoting real marriage - Steve McQuoid and Tony Rucinski
Dear marriage supporter,
The significance of man-woman marriage to the fabric of our society is emphasised by respected writer and speaker Dr Stephen McQuoid, in our recent interview. His insights are enlightening and give us a guide to bolstering our society by promoting marriage. You can listen to our discussion here.
Referring to his highly relevant book, ‘In His Image: A Biblical Introduction to Social Ethics’, Dr McQuoid paints a vivid picture of marriage’s indispensable role in societal health and harmony. Defending marriage from a historic biblical point of view, the book is a treasure trove of wisdom, relatable not just to individuals of faith but to anyone vested in the well-being of our society.
Dr McQuoid’s analysis reveals a stark link between the decline in traditional marriage and the increase in social deprivation. He poses a fundamental question – “How can you function as a society unless there are boundaries and limitations?” Through this lens, we see the importance of commitment, loyalty, and fidelity within marriage – values that foster stability and create a solid foundation for societal growth.
Drawing from his experiences, Dr McQuoid says, “marriage is of such importance ... it’s [an] utter commitment of loyalty and fidelity to [a] person … it’s a solemn commitment that you make to this individual that you’ll commit yourself for life to this person”.
Our individual role in strengthening society through the promotion of marriage cannot be overstated. Dr McQuoid’s words offer a compelling argument for involvement in this vital cause. The future of our society relies on our collective efforts to uphold and reiterate the value of marriage. This interview is a must-share with any person in your circle who values the institution of marriage!
At C4M we know that man-woman marriage is the stabilising bedrock of society. While some would seek to undermine real marriage, we know that, acting together, our voices of support will prevail.
If you would like to support us financially, you can do so using the donate button on our website at http://www.c4m.org.uk
Dr Tony Rucinski
https://www.facebook.com/coalition4marriage/ Help “Stop the decay” of society by promoting real marriage - Steve McQuoid and Tony Rucinski](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Pj6dIL3fE_o/mqdefault.jpg)






![Revd Dr Joe Boot short clip from full interview with Dr Tony Rucinski https://youtu.be/gwpBEOALfTU
Please see full interview at https://youtu.be/gwpBEOALfTU
THE CHURCH MUST TAKE A STAND ON MARRIAGE
Dear marriage supporter,
Reverend Dr Joe Boot, founder of the Ezra Institute, recently joined me for a must-watch interview, offering essential guidance for all – and especially today’s church leaders. Dr Boot’s intellect and insight shed light on the urgent need for the Church to uphold man-woman marriage. Marriage, he says, is a foundational institution that transcends religious boundaries, with relevance to people from all faiths and none. The full interview is available here https://youtu.be/gwpBEOALfTU, along with this shorter seven-minute clip for those pressed for time.
In our conversation, Revd Dr Boot emphasises that “the message of the Gospel” includes “human identity and sexuality”. Revd Dr Boot offers practical advice on how busy pastors can find time to tackle these cultural challenges, stressing that this should be a vital aspect of their ministry.
He does not shy away from the reality that many non-Christians are deeply disappointed with the Church’s stand on these issues. He insists that “we have to show… compassion and kindness without compromising what is true”.
He quotes that marriage is “the cosmological key to the universe”, emphasising the profound significance of marriage to the stability of society.
The cultural attacks on marriage and family are not new, Dr Boot argues. But the Church cannot afford to stay silent. Emphasising the responsibility of the Church to engage in these cultural battles, he asserts: “You can’t leave that struggle to JK Rowling… [and] Sharron Davies”.
C4M believes that the restoration of real marriage will be driven by the silent majority speaking out. To support this effort, please forward this email to any church leaders you know and encourage them to listen to Dr Boot’s important message.
If you would like to support us financially, you can do so via the donate button at http://www.c4m.org.uk
Dr Tony Rucinski
https://www.facebook.com/coalition4marriage/
http://www.c4m.org.uk
https://www.facebook.com/coalition4marriage/ Revd Dr Joe Boot short clip from full interview with Dr Tony Rucinski https://youtu.be/gwpBEOALfTU](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Sgu9AP7pTe8/mqdefault.jpg)

