Salvation Army Says No to Event Encouraging Teen Marriage

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – A Christian group that promotes marriage at ages as young as 13 won’t be able to use a Salvation Army camp in Wichita for a retreat for parents seeking marital partners for their children.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the Let Them Marry ministry wanted to have the retreat at Camp Hiawatha in November.

Janet Pack, of the Salvation Army in Wichita, said that the nonprofit inquired about holding the event at the camp, although it was never formally booked. She says the Salvation Army “remained steadfastly focused on our mission of advocating for and protecting children.”

Laura Ohlman, who was helping organize and promote the event, says the event is still a goal, although she’s not sure when it will happen.