Speakers from the US visited Chelmsford last week to discuss new approaches to strengthening marriage. Local church leaders, who arranged the meeting, hope they will be able to implement some of the ideas in Chelmsford.

The evening was chaired by Eileen Gordon, MP, and featured a presentation by Mike McManus, president of the group "Marriage Savers".

They have developed a community marriage policy in cities around the US and claim to have reduced divorce rates by over 20 per cent in the ten years they have been running.

The approach advocates the use of a 'relationship inventory' of 150 questions which is filled in by couples before marriage to identify areas which might cause problems in their relationship.

They are then mentored by an older couple who can help them through difficult times.

Spokeswoman Alison Davies said there had been a "super response" to the presentation.

A follow up meeting will be held on April 11 to discuss starting a similar scheme in the Chelmsford area. It will be at the diocesan office at 53 New Street (opposite the Cathedral) at 8pm.

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