Diverse Family Structure: Reevaluating the Best-Interests-of-the-Child Standard
by Jennifer Johnson (left) and Brenda A. Baietto, Esq. This article was first published September 11, 2017, at Americanbar.org. Due to no-fault divorce and “diverse family structures,” children often experience a form of inequality that is largely ignored. With lawyers and judges focused on a liberty that is defined as adults’ happiness with their family […]
Recognizing Propaganda for Divorce
An excerpt from “The Sexual State,” a forthcoming book by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse At the heart of the Divorce Ideology is one simple idea: kids are so resilient that they do not really need their own parents. This idea salves many a guilty conscience over making these choices. This is the idea that allows […]
Leila Miller on The Catholic Conversation
(August 15, 2017) Leila Miller, author and friend of Ruth, is speaking with Steve and Becky Greene of Immaculate Heart Radio’s The Catholic Conversation. They’re discussing Primal Loss, Leila’s book about adult children navigating experiences related to their parents’ divorces and broken families. (Dr J wrote the forward for Primal Loss.)
Recognizing the rights of children in the fight for marriage
by Leslie Fain This article was first published at Catholic World Report on July 7, 2017. In cases of divorce as well as same-sex marriage, our culture is more concerned about sexual happiness for adults than about what happens to kids. (Left) The Ruth Institute’s Jennifer Johnson; (right) the cover of her new book, “Marriage […]
The Children of Divorce Speak Out
by Rachel Lu This article was first published July 18, 2017, at Crisis Magazine. “As a kid I was always sad and always trying to keep everyone else happy. I felt like I had to be one person when I was with my dad and another when I was with my mom.” So says an […]
Contraception &, Divorce: Vox Vitae Adults
(July 11, 2017) Live from the adult evening session at this year’s Vox Vitae, a pro-life camp in Alhambra, California, Dr J is speaking about contraception, divorce, and the survivors of the sexual revolution. Stay tuned for her second talk on the gender ideology.
Young Americans Cheat on Spouses Less Often Than Older Americans, Study Finds
By Brandon Showalter, CP Reporter This article was first posted July 5, 2017, at Christian Post. Marriage requires more than just the rings and the vows. Younger Americans are less likely to cheat on their spouses than older Americans are, and although culture has become much more accepting of loose sexual norms, adultery is still […]
Divorce Ideology: The Sexual State
(June 22, 2017) This year’s Acton University is in full swing! Dr J has been with the program since the beginning. This year her three talks are all themed "The Sexual State"–they highlight how various ideologies ingrained in our culture are products of and further the aims of the toxic sexual revolution. This is her second talk, entitled "The Sexual State and the Divorce Ideology.", Stay tuned for more from Acton, coming right up in our podcast stream. Also check out our Ruth Refuge, Dr J took questions after each talk, and those will be available to listen to from there.
The psychologist hastily concluded I had "hang ups" about sex
At the age of 52, I recently found myself sitting in my mother’s psychologist’s office. She went to him most of her adult life, though she died six years ago. I knew her psychologist well since, at the age of 14, I was the one who had sought him out in hopes of acquiring help […]
Divorce Enablers
(June 14, 2017) Dr J is once again Todd Wilkin’s guest on Issues, Etc. Divorce is the topic under their microscope today. Check out Dr J’s article from Clash Daily, "Divorce Enablers: The Liberal Fantasy World is Wrecking Children’s Lives,", linked on our website.
Dr J on Striker Radio
(June 10, 2017) Dr J is once again a guest of Steve Pauwels on Striker Radio. They’re discussing her recent piece over at ClashDaily (where Steve is also an editor), a forward Dr J just wrote for Leila Miller’s book about the aftermath of divorce from adult children’s perspectives. Leila’s book is entitled Primal Loss.
DIVORCE ENABLERS: The Liberal Fantasy World Is Wrecking Children’s Lives
This article was published June 3, 2017, at ClashDaily.com. By Jennifer Roback Morse The Divorce Ideology is one of the linchpins of the Sexual Revolution. Kids are resilient. Parents who don’t get along do their kids no favor by staying married. Everyone has a right to be happy, which means the right to change sex […]
Divorce never stops being destructive.
Today is June 7th. I found out today that my maternal grandmother died. My mother called to tell me. Mother found out today too. Grandma, my mom’s mom, died on May 15, three weeks ago. My parents are divorced. My dad has been a porn addict since before I was born. I know that contributed […]
Divorce &, Family Structure on "Beyond the Veil"
(June 6, 2017) Dr J and Jennifer Johnson are speaking with Father Thomas Loya of Radio Maria’s Beyond the Veil. They’re discussing divorce, marriage, and family relationships. Jennifer Johnson’s recent booklet, Marriage and Equality: How Natural Marriage Upholds the Ideal of Equality for Children, comes up as well.
Baby Boomer Divorce
(June 5, 2017) Dr J is once again a guest of Drew Mariani on his eponymous show on Relevant Radio. They’re discussing divorce in our culture–its ups and downs, what that means, and how people view marriage.
St. John Bosco’s Clergy Appreciation Dinner
(May 23, 2017) Dr J is the speaker at St. John Bosco Catholic Church’s annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner in Westlake, Louisiana. Her topic is "What the Ruth Institute Can Do for the Priests and People of St. John Bosco;", she also made a special statement to the children who were present.
Family diversity and its children: the next equality debate
Changes in marriage and family life result in inequality for children. by Jennifer Johnson This article was first published March 14, 2017, at Mercatornet.com. Marriage, family and sexual equality are subjects that have all been extensively aired. Ironically, the discussion is often led by people who are creating another form of inequality, that foisted upon […]
Fighting Against No-Fault Divorce in Texas
Three long years ago, my husband and I separated. The intention was to work on our marriage; I never thought it would turn into divorce. I know the agony of a broken home. My parents divorced when I was not quite two years old. My mother remarried, but their marriage ended ten years later, just […]
DIVORCE REFORM: Time For Pro-Family Conservatives To Put Their Money Where Their Mouth Is
by Jennifer Roback Morse This article was first published at Clash Daily on March 25, 2017. Representative Matt Krause of Texas has introduced a bill to limit no-fault divorce in that state. it is time to put up or shut up about family breakdown. The Ruth Institute has a petition that anyone can sign. It […]
A Child of Divorce Speaks Out on the Importance of a Family
A Child of Divorce Speaks Out on the Importance of a Family “No-fault divorce is like abortion,” says the Ruth Institute’s Jennifer Johnson. by Jim Graves This article was first posted April 10, 2017, at ncregister.com. Jennifer Johnson is Director of the Children of Divorce Project at the Ruth Institute. She is […]
May I Please Speak to My Daddy?
by Doug Mainwaring at publicdiscourse.com on March 2017. This world does not need men to selfishly take whatever we want, especially if the price is the welfare of our children. Our children don’t need superheroes—just quiet, unsung, ordinary, everyday heroes who answer to the name “Daddy.” When I was taking my first few […]
Retreat offers hope and healing for survivors of family breakdown
by Leslie Fain First posted on Catholic World Report December 29, 2016 When we think of the “least of these,” whom Jesus exhorted us to defend and aid, several groups easily come to mind: the poor, the unborn, the disabled. One often overlooked group is adult children of family breakdown. The non-profit Ruth Instituteis striving […]
Marriage Equality on The Catholic Conversation
(March 28, 2017) Jennifer Johnson, Ruth Institute’s Associate Director, is speaking with Steve and Becky Greene of Immaculate Heart Radio’s The Catholic Conversation. They’re discussing family structure equality for children and Jennifer’s new booklet, Marriage and Equality: How Natural Marriage Upholds the Ideal of Equality for Children.
Divorce Reform: Take your stand
by Jennifer Roback Morse Representative Matt Krause of Texas has introduced a bill to limit no-fault divorce in that state. Ruth Readers: it is time to put up or shut up about family breakdown. We have a petition that anyone can sign. It just says we support Rep Krause’s effort to limit no-fault divorce. You […]
Abandoned Faith and Family Breakdown
(March 10, 2017) Dr J is once again a guest of Drew Mariani on his eponymous show on Relevant Radio. They’re discussing how people leave the faith as a result of family breakdown. Their discussion was sparked by the new book Abandoned Faith: Why Millennials Are Walking Away and How You Can Lead Them Home by Alex McFarland and Jason Jimenez.
Torn Asunder: Children, the Myth of the Good Divorce, and the Recovery of Origins
Book Summary, by Bai Macfarlane, posted here. One quarter of today’s young adults are children of divorce (66) and a book from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute examines anew the nature and meaning of marriage: Torn Asunder: Children, the Myth of the Good Divorce, and the Recovery of Origins. The book’s back cover blurb […]
Family Structure Equality for Children
(March 3, 2017) Jennifer Johnson, Ruth Institute’s Associate Director, is speaking with John Rustin on his radio show, Family Policy Matters. They’re discussing family structure equality for children and Jennifer’s new booklet, Marriage and Equality: How Natural Marriage Upholds the Ideal of Equality for Children.
HEY, LIBERALS: Here’s A Pro-Family Argument Even YOU Might Like
by Jennifer Johnson Published on March 2, 2017, at clashdaily.com. This is an image of the Holy Family that I used to keep in my office. I would look at this image from time to time and pray to Jesus for wisdom for defending marriage and the family. One day I was looking at this […]
Watching home videos from before the divorce is heartbreaking.
My dad divorced my mom after 26 years and eight kids. He subsequently married three more times. I was out of college when my parents divorced and so was least affected. I’ve heard that divorce is the suicide of the family. I have to agree. I’m 50 and not married. I’m a marginal Catholic. My […]
A Closer Look at National Marriage Week 2017
(February 8, 2017) Dr J is once again Sheila Liaugminas’ guest on Relevant Radio’s A Closer Look. They’re discussing matters of the heart during National Marriage Week: 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person, marriage, the effects of divorce on children, government and cultural pressures, and more.
How to marry the right person
Five tips to get you started on the path to a happy marriage. by Betsy Kerekes This article was first posted November 25, 2016, at Mercatornet.com. If you are a take-your-vows-seriously type of person and believe in “till death do us part,” your life will be much simpler if you marry the right […]
Jennifer Johnson on Marriage and Equality
(January 30, 2017) Jennifer Johnson is once again Molly Smith’s guest on From the Median. They’re discussing her just-released book, Marriage and Equality: How Natural Marriage Upholds the Ideal of Equality for Children. They also touch on the general interrelatedness of the marriage and life issues. Jennifer’s book can be found at our store in several formats–check it out!
Man Woman Marriage Creates Equality for children (in more ways than one!)
Marriage and Equality – How natural marriage promotes equality for children By Jennifer Johnson, Associate Director, the Ruth Institute “Gay marriage” supporters aren’t the only ones who care about equality. The ancient Christian teachings on sex and marriage ensure that every child is raised with his or her own married mother and father, except for […]
Altar Society: About Ruth…
(November 21, 2016) Dr J was invited to speak at the Altar Society in Lake Charles on the work and history of the Ruth Institute.
Jennifer Johnson on Life Line
(December 2, 2016) Jennifer Johnson, Ruth Institute’s Associate Director, was invited to give an interview to Melinda Knight on Living Bread Radio’s "Life Line", about the work of the Ruth Institute in the broader context of the sexual revolution.
Restoring Confidence in Traditional Marriage
(November 17, 2016) Dr J is once again Molly Smith’s guest on From the Median. They’re discussing her latest book, 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person, and interrelatedness of the marriage and life issues.
Live-in Boyfriends and Domestic Violence against Children
(November 8, 2016) Dr J is once again Todd Wilkin’s guest on Issues, Etc. They’re discussing domestic violence against children, specifically in situations involving a live-in boyfriend or other unrelated adult. Listen
‘Healing Family Breakdown’ retreat set
by Crystal Stevenson / American Press This article was first published October 21, 2016, at AmericanPress.com. How to heal after the breakdown of one’s family unit will be the topic of the San Diego-based Ruth Institute’s inaugural Louisiana event. The “Healing Family Breakdown” retreat will be 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Our Lady […]
Does the Family Have a Future? (Part 1)
(October 13, 2016) Dr J travels to Smithfield, Rhode Island to speak at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on the theme "Does the Family Have a Future?", Addressing over 100 people, she describes why the family is the basis of society. Stay tuned for the second part of her talk or head over to our Ruth Refuge for the Q&As after each talk. Listen
Dr J and Jennifer Johnson on the Sexual Revolution
(September 17, 2016) Dr J was invited to Phoenix, Arizona to speak to the diocese there. We’ve already podcasted that one, but during that visit, she and Ruth’s Director of Operations Jennifer Johnson were once again guests on Immaculate Heart Radio’s "The Catholic Conversation", with Steve and Becky Greene. They’re discussing the Ruth Institute’s work healing the family and shedding light on the problems wrought by the sexual revolution–divorce specifically.
The Ruth Institute congratulates and thanks Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo of Richmond, Virginia for upholding Catholic teaching on marriage
The Ruth Institute recently sent a letter of commendation and 24 white roses to Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo of Richmond, Virginia congratulating and thanking him for his defense of Catholic teaching. Tim Kaine, Democratic candidate for Vice President, has said that the church will change its teaching on marriage. Bishop DiLorenzo, Kaine’s local bishop, disagrees. The Bishop’s office posted the following: “Despite recent statements from the campaign trail, the Catholic Church’s 2000-year- old teaching to the truth about what constitutes marriage remains unchanged and resolute.” The statement continues by pointing out a foundational belief shared by the Ruth Institute: “Redefining marriage furthers no one’s rights, least of all those of children, who should not purposely be deprived of the right to be nurtured and loved by a mother and a father.” The Ruth Institute is a global non-profit organization dedicated to finding Christ-like solutions to the problems of family breakdown. Founded by world renowned author, speaker and academic, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, the Ruth Institute has accumulated decades of research to support individuals and families harmed by divorce, the hook-up culture and other forms of family breakdown. Dr. Morse stated, “We are particularly encouraged that Bishop DiLorenzo defended the rights of children to be nurtured and loved by their mothers and fathers.” Dr. Morse continued, “The Ruth Institute dreams of the day when every child will be welcomed into a loving home with a married mother and father. We believe every child has the right to a relationship with both natural parents, unless some unavoidable tragedy prevents it. We believe every adult without exception has the right to know his or her cultural heritage and genetic identity. Bishop DiLorenzo has restated the ancient teachings of Christianity and of Jesus Christ Himself. These teachings protect the interests of children, as well as the interests of men and women in lifelong married love.” As a sign of support for Bishop DiLor
Catholics in the Public Square
(September 17, 2016) Dr J was invited to Phoenix, Arizona to speak on "Catholics in the Public Square", to the diocese there. Her talk is designed to prepare people for personal and civic engagement on the marriage and life issues in the current cultural climate.
Jennifer Johnson on Cogwatch
(March 2016) Here’s one from our files: Jennifer Johnson is a guest on Dr. Robert Oscar Lopez’s podcast Cogwatch. They’re discussing divorce, freedom, and family.
Making the Case for Marriage: Acton 2016
(June 16, 2016) It’s that time of year again–Dr J is at Acton University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She’s been with the conference since the beginning, and yesterday she gave one of the foundational lectures designed to orient religious leaders in basic economic concepts. This lecture is on "Making the Case for Marriage."
The Case for Marriage (SWBTS), Part 2
(May 24, 2016) Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, one of the largest Southern Baptist seminaries in the world, hosted Dr. J at their annual Summer Institute, sponsored by the Land Center. This is the second part of her address to pastors and seminary professors on making the case for marriage, if you missed the first part, check out the previous podcast.
The Case for Marriage (SWBTS), Part 1
(May 24, 2016) Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, one of the largest Southern Baptist seminaries in the world, hosted Dr. J at their annual Summer Institute, sponsored by the Land Center. She addressed pastors and seminary professors on making the case for marriage.
Marriage Alliance: Public Policies and Personal Strategies
(May 20, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! She was invited to speak at a Marriage Alliance event in Sydney. Her talk is on public policies and personal strategies for sparking discussion and change on the marriage issue. She took questions afterward, too–those are available on the Ruth Refuge podcast.
South Toowoomba Baptist Church
(May 17, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! She was invited to speak at the South Toowoomba Baptist Church. Her talk is entitled "Same-Sex Marriage Affects Everyone.", She took questions afterward, too–those are available in the Ruth Refuge podcast.
Community Church in Cooper’s Plain
(May 16, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! She was invited to speak at the Community Church in Cooper’s Plain near Brisbane, Australia.
Hobart Cathedral of St. Mary’s
(May 15, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! Archbishop Julian Porteous invited her to speak at the Hobart Cathedral of St. Mary’s on the island of Tasmania. Her talk is entitled "Same-Sex Marriage Affects Everyone.", She took questions afterward, too–those are available in the Ruth Refuge podcast.
Our Lady of the Rosary
(May 14, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! She was invited to speak at Our Lady of the Rosary near Sydney. Her talk is entitled "Same-Sex Marriage Affects Everyone.", She took questions afterward, too–those are available in the Ruth Refuge podcast.
Whose fault was no-fault divorce?
by Ryan C. MacPherson, a Ruth Institute Circle of Experts member This article was first published at Mercatornet.com on May 9, 2016. When language aficionado Bo Mitchell judged 461 entries for the “Great Oxymoron Contest” in 1983, he ranked “wedded bliss” in third place. In fourteenth place came “happily married.” Mitchell distinguished two kinds of […]
Which is Harder on Kids: Death or Divorce?
(April 21, 2016) Dr J is once again Drew Mariani’s guest on his show on the Relevant Radio network. They’re discussing the recent study that compares outcomes of children whose parents have died with those whose parents divorced. The study was a joint project of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Tokyo.University of Tokyo.
Losing a parent to death or divorce – which is worse?
Research shows that “Parental separation was significantly associated with almost all disorders.” by Nicole M. King This article was first published April 20, 2016, at Mercatornet.com. The News Story – MPs to look into Cyprus divorce problems Divorce in Cyprus has been on the rise, and the resulting “negative impact on children caught in bitter […]
Long and Winding Road out of the gay lifestyle: a story of forgiveness
The headline over at LifeSiteNews says this is a story out of the gay lifestyle. And so it it. But it is first and foremost an inspiring story of forgiveness and repentance. Any Survivor of the Sexual Revolution, any person seeking peace, can benefit from this article. A sample: I embarked upon an incredible […]
Losing a parent to divorce affects educational ambition
Why? Because it changes family involvement in children’s educational activities by Nicole M. King This article was first posted March 30, 2016, at mercatornet.com. The News Story – Free community college education bill a potential “game changer” for state A new bill proposing that Kentucky cover the costs of community and technical college education […]
A Letter to God From a Child of Divorce
A letter to God from a child of divorce is heart-wrenching, and highlights the terrible effects of favoring adult desires over children.
Mommy come back!
by Meredith H. (South Jordan) It started when I was 5. I remember hearing them fight scream while I cried trying to go to sleep. One night as I was asleep I heard some yelling outside my door. Then I heard my mom singing though my dad was still trying to argue with her. […]
The grass isn’t always greener
When I was 13, my mom began an affair with an old boyfriend, who she ran into at a reunion. She eventually divorced my dad, and married him. My father was devastated. My mom justified her actions by telling everyone their marriage had been miserable and my dad treated her poorly. This was a huge […]
Restoring Marriage Today
(March 4, 2016) Dr J is one of the speakers at this year’s Catholic Answers Conference: "Restoring Marriage Today.", Her talk was entitled "Keeping the Family Together: Public Policies and Personal Strategies."
The children of divorce: anything but resilient
By Nicole M. King This article was first published February 24, 2016 at Mercatornet.com. The News Story – Coping with a new home life In Part I of a series called “Children of Divorce,” provided by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, the Lohud Journal News outlines some “strategies to help your child cope” with a parental divorce. […]
I moved in with my girlfriend at 16.
My family were not Christian when I was a child, and my mum was never warm towards me or my sister because we reminded her of her aging and mortality, which she resented. The sexual revolution had made her fixate on being a young woman and gave her no preparation to function as a mum. […]
How Could Divorce Affect My Kids?
By Amy Desai, J.D. This article was first published at Focus on the Family. Many years ago, the myth began to circulate that if parents are unhappy, the kids are unhappy, too. So divorce could help both parent and child. “What’s good for mom or dad is good for the children,” it was assumed. But […]
Divorce is good and other myths: Column
Don’t buy into popularity of unhitched culture. by Diane Medved This article was posted on usatoday.com on October 23, 2013. The books just keep coming: Collaborative Divorce, Happy Divorce ,The Good Karma Divorce, The Creative Divorce . Reading the articles and books, you might get the idea that The Good Divorce is a sacrament, not […]
Should we fix mental health issues or prevent them?
By Nicole M. King This article was first published at Mercatornet.com on February 17, 2016. The News Story – Time running out on mental health bills Wisconsin is one of many states considering legislation that would amend how mental-health issues are treated, but several of the proposed bills will expire soon if not acted upon. […]
I watched as the officers took my dad into the car in handcuffs.
While I was growing up my parents would argue a lot. I thought their fighting was just a normal thing that grown-ups did. As I got older I would try to intervene and stop them from fighting. One night when I was 12 years old I woke up at about 3AM and heard my father […]
I never thought to question the morality of abortion.
My mother left when I was six. My sister and I went to a beautiful old house we called “the home” – a group home for girls whose families were under stress. We were fed and dressed well, had lots of play time but, even with my sister there, I was scared. I saw Matron […]
"It was torture for all of us."
I am a child of divorce. I am a 52 year old father of three children. I am married but in a mixed marriage. We do not share the same faith background. I am the third child of four. I have two older sisters and a younger brother. My mom was 15 when she got […]