Celebrating New Church
Marriages
The Rt. Rev. Brian W. Keith
T
he institution of marriage has apparently become more shaky in the
Western World in recent years. Statistics indicate an increasing frequency
of divorce. This can be very discouraging and painful for those who embrace
the ideal of eternal marriage as taught in the Heavenly Doctrines of the New
Church.
But there is also good news to celebrate. Recently in researching the
longevity of marriages in the General Church Data Base, I discovered an
astonishing fact. We have 53 couples who have celebrated their 50th anniversary;
40 couples who have celebrated their 60th anniversary; and two couples who
have celebrated their 70th anniversary.
While it is possible we could have errors in the data base, so the numbers
may not be completely accurate, it a remarkable testimony to the duration
of marriage in this life and hope for an eternal life together. And it can
demonstrate that “the delight of truly conjugial love not only continues to old
age in the world, but after death becomes the delight of heaven and is there
filled with an interior delight that grows more and more perfect to eternity.”
(Heaven and Hell 379:2)
Congratulations to these couples! May the Lord continue to bless them
and their families. May this give hope to the promise ahead for those who have
not realized the fullness of this love in this world. And may this be a beacon to
all of us in our own marriages.
NEW CHURCH HAIKU
Heaven’s light is truth
Heaven’s warmth is good and love
United as one.
231
(Heaven and Hell 130-133)