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The
Shoals Healthy Marriage Coalition is an outgrowth of the
Family Policy Council formed by
Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge Jimmy Sandlin. “The coalition is composed of counselors,
educators, ministers, and others who are interested in strengthening marriages
in the Shoals area,” Sandlin states.
The first
effort of the coalition is to encourage marriage education for
engaged couples. “Leaders from 45 churches have already signed a
Shoals Marriage Policy stating that they will perform weddings only
for those couples who have undergone at least eight hours of
premarital counseling,” Sandlin explains. “The rally will celebrate
their commitment and encourage others to do the same.”
“Research
shows that healthy marriages positively impact almost all segments
of society,” coalition member Dr. Betty Hamblen states, "Strengthening
and supporting marriage is one of the most cost-effective and far-reaching
efforts that we can undertake to improve the quality of life for our community.”
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