Bill Sytsma

This is a great discussion topic.  I wouldn't be surprised if there are many of us who have encountered situations where a study on this topic would prove to be helpful.  

Years ago, when I was first asked about this kind of marital arrangement, I was skeptical and uneasy.  I found myself wondering what kind of unintended consequences could arise from a couple trying to avoid financial detriments in order to live as husband and wife.

In recent years, however, many of us have come to recognize that what the church and state recognize as marriage can have very different definitions.  

I believe I would still be uneasy to endorse a covenant marriage that avoided legal recognition for financial benefit (or in order to retain a level of separation between husband and wife), but I would like to see what kind of report a study committee would generate to help us navigate the differences between the legal and ecclesiastical ideas of marriage.

Thanks for the article, Phil.  I will be using this with my Elders for discussion this month.