"I am encouraged to hear of the success of Marriage Resource in organising a National Marriage week over the last two years, and I am delighted that this new tradition is continuing.

"As I have said on many occasions, it is clear from the beginning that God has intended marriage to be the proper framework for the love of man and woman. Moreover, as surveys keep reminding us, marriage strengthens the stability of family life and the bonds of community. It is not something we can afford to treat lightly as a society.

"But our support for marriage must never solely be a matter of rhetoric. We need to continue to help people prepare for marriage, and to be available to them at times of stress and strain as well as at times of joy and happiness.

This is a message which National Marriage Week can help to deliver and I warmly commend it."