Protect marriage institution to reduce youth violence, cleric urges

The Senior Pastor of Kingdom Light Christian Centre, Pastor Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju, has urged religious bodies of all faiths to save the institution of marriage fast waning off to modernisation in order address increasing youth violence and breakdown of values in society.

The cleric made this known at a couples’ day out held to rekindle marriage vows and build Godly families among worshippers of the church. The Couples’ Day Out was part of the Family Series programme of the church where about 30 couples were taken to a game centre to interact and play together at Twinwaters, Lekki, Lagos.

Adetoyese-Olagunju noted that the event was to strengthen the bond of love and fellowship among couples. He emphasized that the family remains the smallest unit and building block of society and when it is fitly bonded together, the society will be better for it.

According to him, many of the perpetrators of violence in society and most victims of sexual assault are children raised from broken homes, who lack the parental care to nurture them through their most difficult stage where they battle with peer pressure among other vices.

The cleric also said many challenges in the home can be addressed when the family find time to bond and play together. He enjoined the couples to create an atmosphere of relaxation; make out time to play, have fun and brighten the mood around the home to straighten out rough edges and tough situations that may occur.

“A family that laughs together, sticks together. Christian marriages should adopt Christ principles of love, patience, mutual trust and tolerance to make their marriages succeed,” he added.

Responding, one of the couples said the event was the first major time out they have together since they got married seven years ago.