The collaboration between the two organizations aims to reinforce and restore marriage and family as foundational elements of society.
Communio, a pro-family nonprofit, along with Texas Baptists, is working to equip numerous churches throughout Texas to support couples and combat divorce rates, as shared in a recent press release from Communio.
“The latest statewide statistics on marriage and family reveal troubling trends, including that 42.1 percent of children in Texas are born to unmarried parents, and only 54 percent are raised by married biological parents,” the release notes.
Moreover, it was reported in July that the birth rate for 2024 has dropped to a historic low, primarily due to adults postponing marriage and parenthood.
However, JP De Gance, the founder and president of Communio, is optimistic that change is possible. He mentioned that the partnership has already led to positive outcomes, such as more church attendance and an increase in saved marriages in Texas, according to the Texas Baptist Convention’s news release.
“We are thrilled that this new alliance with Texas Baptists will provide thousands of pastors with better access to our support services. This will allow more individuals to experience Jesus and strengthen Christian marriages,” he said.
De Gance also pointed out that family breakdown can often result in serious issues, including a heightened risk of poverty, lower educational success for children, and greater feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Communio aims to assist pastors and leaders in addressing the relationship needs of couples and fortifying families. The organization employs data-driven strategies, coaching, and relationship programs to help churches develop healthier marriages.
In a 2024 piece, Neil Hardin from Alliance Defending Freedom highlighted how marriage and family are central to God’s plan and essential building blocks of human society. He remarked, “The level of respect we have for these institutions directly affects the survival and success of civilization.”
Julio Guarneri, executive director of Texas Baptists, commented on the partnership, stating, “In an era where many couples and families face heightened pressures, local churches are ideally situated to respond by not only sharing the gospel but also supporting people in their most important relationships. This collaboration with Communio is well-timed.”
