“Let us perfect holiness by purifying ourselves from everything that contaminates.”
According to Christian Today UK (May 28), nearly half (45%) of British youths no longer live with both biological parents by the age of 14. Surprisingly, the root cause isn’t divorce but the growing cultural norm of not marrying at all.
A recent study by the UK-based Marriage Foundation revealed that 45% of teenagers are not living with both of their parents—a figure nearly twice as high as that reported by the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS). The discrepancy stems from how the data is measured. While the ONS counts only traditional single-parent households, the Marriage Foundation also includes situations where a biological parent lives with a new partner—meaning the child still does not live with both biological parents.
The report concluded that the breakdown of families is primarily due to couples choosing not to marry. Of families where both parents are present, 85% are legally married. In contrast, among families that have separated, only 30% involved married couples—70% were unmarried.
This shows that couples who are not married are more than twice as likely to separate. The report emphasized that family breakdown is a serious societal issue, leading to poverty, poor academic performance, and mental health struggles.
Harry Benson, the Marriage Foundation’s research director, warned, “Family breakdown in the UK has reached epidemic levels. The consequences—for individuals and for society—will only worsen.” He added that although many people desire marriage, they often postpone it, viewing weddings as a luxury. Moreover, current welfare systems discourage marriage, especially among low-income families. “What we long for is trustworthy love,” Benson said. “The kind of love that assures you the relationship will still be there the next morning, even after a fight.” (Source: Gospel Prayer Newspaper)
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corintians 7:1,NIV)
God, we lift up the nation of the UK with heavy hearts, grieved by the reality that nearly half of its youth are growing up outside of homes with both biological parents. We ask You to break the schemes of the enemy that distort the God-given value of marriage and family through culture and policy. Restore Your truth where it has been compromised, and call back hearts that have lost holiness and the fear of the LORD. Let them be confronted by the gospel, turn from every impurity, and be made clean. May every generation in the UK be restored as a church purified by the blood of Christ, standing as witnesses to the kingdom of God.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
