Archbishop Paul Meng Ningyou of Taiyuan has called on Chinese Catholics to reject the traditional practice of dowries in marriage, describing the sacrament as a gift rooted in gratuitous love and faith.
In a homily delivered during a church wedding on Sunday, July 13, the archbishop said marriage should be understood as “a gift characterized by gratuitousness.”
He invited the faithful to “free themselves from the custom of demanding a dowry for marriage,” a practice still widespread in many parts of Chinese society, the Vatican’s Fides News Agency reported.
The dowry system — involving the transfer of money, real estate, jewelry, or cars from a bride’s family to the groom — remains a major burden, especially in rural areas.
“The practice… continues to be a burden for young future spouses and their families of origin, causing the union to break up for many young couples,” the archbishop noted. “Families often go into debt to comply with the custom.”
Archbishop Meng praised the Honggou parish, home to the newlywed couples, and commended their example in challenging harmful social norms through faith.
He said their witness showed how “the Christian faith can free lives and hearts from unnecessary burdens and lead to true happiness.”
Recalling Sunday’s Gospel about the Good Samaritan, Archbishop Meng emphasized marriage as “a union of free, mutual self-giving blessed by God.”
He urged couples to support each other, raise their children in the faith, and care for one another with compassion.
In China, various social, economic, and cultural pressures continue to discourage young couples from marrying and starting families.
In response, Catholic communities are increasing efforts to provide marriage formation rooted in Christian values.
The Diocese of Beijing recently opened registration for its third Marriage Preparation Course this year, scheduled to begin on July 20.
The course, held every Sunday afternoon, will address themes such as “the Christian family” and “the sacrament of marriage.” Open to all, the sessions include priest-led discussions and welcome non-Christian couples as observers.
The Church hopes that such initiatives can equip couples to build strong, faith-centered marriages in the face of modern challenges.
