The Church of England says single people should be valued, claiming Jesus himself lived as a single man.
The 236-page report, titled Love Matters, claimed singleness for some people was an active choice, while suggesting the church itself should offer affordable relationship support for those who do plan on marriage.
It continued: "We have an amazing opportunity to reimagine a diverse society in which all families and loving relationships are valued and strengthened, promoting the stability that enables us all to thrive in a variety of family constellations, including being single.”
The report, commissioned by the Church of England, also recommended the church offer relationship preparation and support “to be available to all couples planning to marry. Ideally this would also be available to couples planning to cohabit and those planning to marry in a civil ceremony”.
It went on to urge the government “to invest in accessible and affordable relationship support.
This should be available for all couples facing relationship difficulties, long before the relationship breaks down”.
The findings are a result of a two-year commission examining relationships and families ordered by the archbishops of Canterbury and York.
It was the third in a trilogy of commissions; earlier subjects were housing and social care, reports The Guardian.
It added: "Singleness can be a deliberate choice – sometimes the right partner has not been found, and sometimes separation, divorce or death has resulted in the loss of a partner.
"Inevitably, singleness does not necessarily imply celibacy, although this is the choice some single people in faith communities make."
“The Commission believes strongly that single people must be valued at the heart of our society.
"Jesus’ own singleness should ensure that the C of E celebrates singleness and does not regard it as lesser than living in a couple relationship. Loving relationships and being able to give and receive love matter to everyone.”
