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'''Marriage''' is a union formed between a [[man]] and a [[woman]]. The word "marriage" by itself encompasses a broad range of meanings,<ref>The American Heritage dictionary definitions [http://www.bartleby.com/61/2/M0120200.html]</ref> but it is often short for ''Christian marriage'' or ''holy matrimony,'' which is ordained by [[God]] and considered a [[sacrament]] by [[Roman Catholics]][http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09707a.htm] (but not most [[Protestant]] denominations).

'''Marriage''' is a union formed between a [[man]] and a [[woman]]. The word "marriage" by itself encompasses a broad range of meanings,<ref>The American Heritage dictionary definitions [http://www.bartleby.com/61/2/M0120200.html]</ref> but it is often short for ''Christian marriage'' or ''holy matrimony,'' which is ordained by [[God]] and considered a [[sacrament]] by [[Roman Catholics]][http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09707a.htm] (but not most [[Protestant]] denominations).  In a few times and places, other forms have existed, such as [[polygamy]] (multiple spouses) and [[homosexuality#Homosexuality and Marriage|homosexual]] marriage.

In most cultures, marriage is regarded as a life-long commitment to another person, under any circumstances. Frequently this involves a public commitment ceremony (called a [[wedding]]) to each other and, if the participants follow a religious faith such as [[Christianity]], [[Judaism]] or [[Islam]], before God.<ref>[http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/marriage/marriage.html The Marriage Service], ''The Church of England'', Retrieved 20 March 2007</ref> When people do not or cannot maintain that commitment, and the marriage ends in [[divorce]].

In most cultures, marriage is regarded as a life-long commitment to another person, under any circumstances. Frequently this involves a public commitment ceremony (called a [[wedding]]) to each other and, if the participants follow a religious faith such as [[Christianity]], [[Judaism]] or [[Islam]], before God.<ref>[http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/marriage/marriage.html The Marriage Service], ''The Church of England'', Retrieved 20 March 2007</ref> When people do not or cannot maintain that commitment, and the marriage ends in [[divorce]].