Church Divorce Reduction Dynamics: A Case of the Anglican Church, Siaya County, Kenya

Abstract

Background InformationThe family is the foundation of society, and the family's health determines society's well-being. World Health Organization (2010) also emphasized the importance of the family by stating that the family is an important source of support and security as it provides for a safe and stable environment that nurtures the growth and development of each member throughout different stages of life from birth to old age. The sentiments of WHO are also reinforced by Fagan and Churchil (2012), who stated that the family occupies a pivotal place in every society, forming the foundation of the state, nation, continent, and the world at large. Ham (2015) holds a precaution position by stating that if the family can be destroyed, the Christian fabric in society will ultimately unravel hence the need for the church to strongly guard the family by putting up various measures. Olanyi (2015), through his study conducted in Nigeria, indicated that for a nation and a continent or world at large to be at peace, it must first be settled as a family as the sanity in the continent will never rise above that of the family. Ng'ang'a and Wesonga (2010) support the assertion by stating that marriage is the backbone of a healthy society as it is the basic unit on which society leans for proper function.Divorce is a critical matter that affects the society today, including church membership; this contradicts the Christian and biblical teaching on marriage as stated and ordained by God (Genesis 2: 20-30). Today, families are witnessing breakages, violence, separation, and ultimately divorce, which directly contribute to lawlessness and disruption of peace and stability in society. Despite the church's pastoral stand on marital relationships in Africa, Hayedeh, Amir, and Dabagh (2014) reports that many marital challenges have been cited among Christians. Furthermore, the increased cases of divorce in Africa go even against the African people's cultures and traditions, discouraging divorce and jealously guarding the institution of marriage. Kagelo and Rakwena (2018) confirm Hayedeh's sentiment through their findings which revealed that African data on divorce rates are consistent with that of Europe and North America with respect to the negative impact of divorce on individuals.The same worry is also recapped; a study by Copen (2012) revealed that half of the children in the United States are likely to see their parents undergo divorce before their 18 th birthday. In separate studies, Kirk (2017), Hayedah, Amir, and Dabagh (2014) estimated that fifty percent of couples are likely to be divorced in the course of their marriage in the United States. In Europe, a survey by The Global Consumer Insight (2012) indicated that 50% of new marriages in most European countries end up in divorce after a short period.Unfortunately, the purpose for which marriage and family were instituted is no longer the same. Today, families are witnessing breakages, violence, separation, and ultimately divorce factors that are directly contributing to ...