If the Christian church is to adhere to (or recover) God’s good plan for men and women, then its pastoral care and witness will need some clarification and strengthening in a number of areas.

For example, we need to ask, How can we more effectively

• witness to God’s good purposes in our own marriages and families?
• recognise the distinctive roles of husbands and wives?
• nurture young people who are capable of faithful covenant relationships?
• honour both married and single people in the family of the church?
• extend a welcome to everyone, even when we cannot affirm everyone’s lifestyle?
• develop an environment of grace and healing for those experiencing guilt, anger, resentment, uncertainty or loss?