Iain Duncan Smith endorses National Marriage Week
January 2002
by Iain Duncan Smith
published in an open letter to Richard Kane

The Conservative leader pledges to identify policies that will boost marriage and family life

The Conservative Party Leader, Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, has sent the following letter of endorsement to Richard Kane, the organiser of National Marriage Week, for this year's event - scheduled for 10-17th February 2002.

In his letter Mr Duncan Smith pays tribute to the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster and the Chief Rabbi - who are both launching the Week - and their support for marriage.

He also pledges: "As the Conservative Party progresses its policy review we will be seeking effective ways of supporting parents and married couples in their hopes and aspirations."

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"Dear Mr Kane,

Thank you for your letter of 21st January and for giving me the opportunity to send a letter of support to National Marriage Week.

National Marriage Week brings together people and charities whose work in support of marriage is so vital to the care of children and the well-being of society.

I am delighted that the Chief Rabbi and the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster will be addressing the launch event for the week. In expressing my own personal support for marriage I can do no better than quote their words. In an inspiring passage from a recent speech Dr Jonathan Sacks said: "Without the family, we are lonely and vulnerable and risk becoming tone deaf to the music of shared life." Reflecting on his own family background, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor said: "I believe that marriage is at the heart of a stable society. When I think of my own parents, I recognise that it was their marital bond that provided stability in our home and in our relationships with one another. Many married couples experience struggles from time to time. However, I rejoice that their commitment to each other, expressed in their vows, is able to sustain them as they grow in love and understanding of each other's needs along the journey of life."

Marriage is, perhaps, our least selfish, and most socially generous institution. It not only provides stability for the immediate family home but it establishes a capacity to care that benefits neighbours and others who may not be married and who may be struggling in life. As the Conservative Party progresses its policy review we will be seeking effective ways of supporting parents and married couples in their hopes and aspirations.

With very best wishes for a successful week,

IAIN DUNCAN SMITH"