Australian Member of Parliament, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, recently spoke on the importance of marriage and family to around 300 young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Australian Member of Parliament Speaks with Mormon Youth about Family Relationships
- Australian Member of Parliament Speaks with Mormon Youth about Family Relationships
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Mr Andrews is the Federal Member for Menzies (an electorate in Melbourne), the Shadow Minister for Families, Housing and Human Services and is a devoted husband, father and Christian.
“A happy marriage and wholesome happy family life remain the aspiration of most people,” said Mr Andrews.
During his keynote address, Mr Andrews shared the results of decades of social science research confirming that a healthy marriage is the optimal relationship for the wellbeing of adults and children alike.
He listed eight modern myths about marriage and divorce – and then used research to disprove each one. For example, contrary to popular belief, premarital cohabitation actually increases the likelihood that a couple will later divorce.
“The statistics were fascinating,” said one attendee, Alexandra Jenson, 19. “The research presented just confirmed to me all the things prophets teach about families.”
The findings presented by Mr Andrews were supported by talks by Melbourne Church leaders Robert Dudfield, Anthony Parton and Lindsay Sanders who focussed on religious teachings, reminding attendees that “Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalm 127:3) and “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God (The Family: A Proclamation to the World).”
Anthony Parton quoted further from The Family: A Proclamation to the World. “Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honour marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Those in attendance also had the opportunity to participate in an open question and answer session with Mr Andrews and to speak with him individually over dinner after the conclusion of the fireside.
“Fireside” is a Latter-day Saint term for a gathering usually involving music and addresses focused on a subject related to the gospel of Jesus Christ.