Church of England Affirms Value of Single People, Citing Jesus' Example

The Church of England has released a report that values single people as much as couples and families, stating that singleness should not be regarded as lesser than living in a couple relationship. The report recommends that the church offer relationship preparation and support to all couples planning to marry, as well as those planning to cohabit and those planning to marry in a civil ceremony. The report also urges the government to invest in accessible and affordable relationship support for all couples facing relationship difficulties. The report marks a departure from the church's traditional advocacy of lifelong heterosexual marriage, and acknowledges the growing number of people who do not live in a couple relationship or with family members.