Welcome Letter
Dear concerned fellow citizen,
One of the objections raised about some pro-marriage organizations is that they come off more as anti-gay than pro-anything. While many would agree that a line in the sand must be drawn, the question must be asked, 'Is this all that pro-marriage means?'
If we're really pro-marriage, aren't we concerned about the pervasiveness of divorce? Of unwed parents? Of promiscuity? And not just the behaviors - shouldn't we be just as concerned about the ignorance and unhealthy attitudes so many people have about relationships and physical intimacy?
Regardless of religious or political philosophy, are we blind to the human suffering resulting from the breakdown of the basic family structure? Crime, violence, drug abuse, depression, suicide, poverty - how much could these and other societal ills be reduced if every child were raised in a stable and secure home by the parents who brought them into the world?
If we are not concerned about these issues, and we are not just as passionate and vocal about them, then we lend credence to those who call us bigots. So many of us are focused on what we are against, but what have we done to really support and strengthen the institution of marriage which we claim to support?"
It was this thinking that led to the creation of FHR 2013. When we say we are pro-marriage and pro-family, we mean that we care very much about all the issues listed above. Furthermore, we don't just care - we're taking action!
The vast majority of men and women are attracted to, and will engage in intimate relationships with, the opposite sex. It is to this audience that we are bringing the message that marriage is the best choice they can make, for themselves, for society, and for the future. Marriage is more than a choice, however; it is also a challenge. Therefore we will also provide the tools and information married couples need to succeed.
Our goal is for this society to achieve and maintain an 'A' grade (>90%) in every relevant metric:
-Marriage rate amongst all adults
-Marriages lasting "Till death us do part"
-Children raised in homes by their married biological mother and father
(If the 90% threshold seems low, get back to us when science has overcome death, infertility, etc.)
Ours is an ambitious agenda, which will take great effort, wisdom, and persistence. As a practical matter, we have chosen to begin by creating our "Family Fitness" program to strengthen existing marriages. At the same time, we eagerly anticipate our first promotional campaign, "Celebrate Marriage!". Please click on the text in green to learn more about these projects.
Generally, we're more focused on "showing" than "telling". Nevertheless, we have posted a number of essays to help visitors get to know us. If you are interested, please check out the About section.
One of the objections raised about some pro-marriage organizations is that they come off more as anti-gay than pro-anything. While many would agree that a line in the sand must be drawn, the question must be asked, 'Is this all that pro-marriage means?'
If we're really pro-marriage, aren't we concerned about the pervasiveness of divorce? Of unwed parents? Of promiscuity? And not just the behaviors - shouldn't we be just as concerned about the ignorance and unhealthy attitudes so many people have about relationships and physical intimacy?
Regardless of religious or political philosophy, are we blind to the human suffering resulting from the breakdown of the basic family structure? Crime, violence, drug abuse, depression, suicide, poverty - how much could these and other societal ills be reduced if every child were raised in a stable and secure home by the parents who brought them into the world?
If we are not concerned about these issues, and we are not just as passionate and vocal about them, then we lend credence to those who call us bigots. So many of us are focused on what we are against, but what have we done to really support and strengthen the institution of marriage which we claim to support?"
It was this thinking that led to the creation of FHR 2013. When we say we are pro-marriage and pro-family, we mean that we care very much about all the issues listed above. Furthermore, we don't just care - we're taking action!
The vast majority of men and women are attracted to, and will engage in intimate relationships with, the opposite sex. It is to this audience that we are bringing the message that marriage is the best choice they can make, for themselves, for society, and for the future. Marriage is more than a choice, however; it is also a challenge. Therefore we will also provide the tools and information married couples need to succeed.
Our goal is for this society to achieve and maintain an 'A' grade (>90%) in every relevant metric:
-Marriage rate amongst all adults
-Marriages lasting "Till death us do part"
-Children raised in homes by their married biological mother and father
(If the 90% threshold seems low, get back to us when science has overcome death, infertility, etc.)
Ours is an ambitious agenda, which will take great effort, wisdom, and persistence. As a practical matter, we have chosen to begin by creating our "Family Fitness" program to strengthen existing marriages. At the same time, we eagerly anticipate our first promotional campaign, "Celebrate Marriage!". Please click on the text in green to learn more about these projects.
Generally, we're more focused on "showing" than "telling". Nevertheless, we have posted a number of essays to help visitors get to know us. If you are interested, please check out the About section.