Abstract:
Marriage across cultures is not fully accepted by many ethnic groups, even
among those who have embraced Christianity. The research on which
this paper is based investigated the trends of Christian marriages across
cultures in terms of numbers, age at marriage, motivation and ethnic
groups involved. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative
design methods in data collection and analysis. The population comprised
seven assemblies of Christ Is The Answer Ministries. The sample consisted
of 247 respondents in marriage across cultures, seven senior pastors, seven
pastors’ in-charge of Family Care and Enrichment Ministry and three
couples in a focus group discussion. The main data collection tool was a
questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that marriages across cultures are
on the increase, the age at marriage for both men and women is increasing
but the age difference is decreasing. Love for one another and a common
faith in Christ were found to be the main motivations to marriage. The
ethnic groups leading in marriage across cultures among men are Luo,
Luhya, Kikuyu and Kamba while among women are Kikuyu, Luhya,
Kamba and Kalenjin. The study recommends an improvement on keeping
of marriage records and members’ contacts; creation of awareness among
youth and parents on marriage across cultures as a way of preparing them
for such unions and dealing with ethnic prejudice/stereotypes to enhance
acceptability. It is further recommended that the Church address issues of
ethnicity and marriage across cultures as part of its pulpit ministry.
