In Austria almost one marriage in two ends in divorce and in Vienna the percentages rises to 59%. To stem this tide it’s important to “take preventive measures”, beginning with “a sound preparation for marriage”. So said Bishop Klaus Küng, president of the Commission for the family of the Austrian Episcopal Conference, commenting on the data published by the Catholic Kathpress agency. The bishop warned of the danger of “accepting” these figures “as a natural law” and recalled that “divorce is always accompanied by grief”, also for the children. Bishop Küng further emphasized the efforts being made by the Church, especially in providing a service of mediation, with “special programmes” for the children of divorced parents. The Church also offers meetings and provides a counselling service for married or engaged couples to improve or reinforce the foundations for their relationship.
