If marriage "binds" the family, why is there divorce, even in Christian families. Also, how can the church profess this union, as sacred, if it in fact can be annulled, (or otherwise) negated, also, in the eyes of the church. It is not consistent with logic to define a untion as marriage alone. As God is with us, so too are our vows recognized, and within that sacred collective relationship with God, we live in hope, that our lives will be blessed, within the scope of marriage or outside of it.