A Townhall column reflects on Familiaris Consortio, the landmark teaching from Pope John Paul II that describes the family as a “communion of persons” rooted in sacrificial love and lifelong marriage. The piece highlights how strong marriages form the foundation for healthy families, where parents and children grow together through mutual responsibility, forgiveness, and shared faith. This vision also describes the family as the “domestic church,” the first place where faith is lived and passed on. When marriages are strong and families flourish, the Church itself grows stronger because the family remains the first school of faith and the foundation of a healthy society.
The Church Is Shrinking. But the Christians Who Remain Have the Happiest Marriages in America.
A new IFS report finds 79% of churchgoing Catholics and 74% of churchgoing Protestants are very happily married, compared to 66% of non-religious spouses. The faith-family paradox is real and it’s good news for your church.
Dads Are More Involved Than Ever. But “Involved” Shouldn’t Mean “Just Like Mom.”
A new IFS essay argues that fathers bring distinct, non-interchangeable contributions to their children. The research backs it up — and so does the church. Here’s why it matters for your family ministry.
Unmarried Motherhood in America Isn’t Declining. It’s Aging. And That Changes Everything.
A new IFS analysis finds that in 2024, unmarried women over 40 had a higher birth rate than unmarried teens for the first time ever. The story of nonmarital births has fundamentally changed. Here’s what it means for your church.