Wednesday, October 30, 2002

Hatcher should focus on strengthening first-timers

With the divorce rate over 50 percent, coupled with the many social ills as a result, I wish the Rev. John Hatcher [Religion section, The Citizen, Oct. 23] would have devoted his column to ideas to prevent divorce.

How about fidelity, purity, faithfulness, respect, communication, and honor among spouses? The Rev. Hatcher needs to focus on those virtues that will strengthen first-time marriages to bring back the dignity and respect to the institution of marriage.

Scripture is so clear about divorce it needs no explanation; the truth is the truth. Let's concentrate on praying for the strengthening of the family. Let's pray for all those emotionally torn apart from divorce, especially the children, the innocent victims.

Let's ask God for the grace to heal those marriages in trouble where the couple is trying to abide in their vows made before God. Let's pray for a radical change in attitude about what it means to make a lifelong commitment between a husband and wife.

I agree wholeheartedly about the Rev. Hatcher's comments on forgiveness and unconditional love, but we need to focus our minds and hearts on the first-timers so we don't get to the second and third.

Richard Walker

Peachtree City