At your website you wrote that if the laws of the land recognize you as married, then that is fine. I have a friend who has been living a common law relationship for over 20 years now. They have 2 kids. Legally, in Canada, all of her benefits, recognition etc. are identical as for married people, with the difference that she would not need to go through a divorce if they wanted to split up. She is open to the idea of 'making it official' but he is not open to that and he feels that this is unnecessary. What should I recommend if she is to become a Christian? It seems so mean to break up a family like that. She can't force him to marry her. Any advice would be greatly welcome. -- Dominique Ibanez (Toronto)
Christians always strive to obey the laws of the land, provided they do not violate scripture or conscience. But is a "common law relationship" really a marriage? I read that recently Nova Scotia became the fifth province to approve of homosexual partnerships and concomitant benefits. Are these so-called "marriages" legitimate?
As I see the situation, if the couple don't need a divorce to split up, then they aren't truly (and fully, in the Lord's eyes) married. My advice would be to get married before any baptisms take place. I agree: it's not right to split up a family. If there were no children, that would be a different situation entirely! But they have been together for a long time, have built a family, and in the interests of everyone involved, marriage--God's original and perfect plan--should be honored.
This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only. © 2004. Reprints or public distribution is prohibited without the express consent of Douglas Jacoby.
