ALMA, Kan. - Church leaders from across Wabaunsee County are taking a stand to preserve the sanctity of marriage.

Clergy members Monday gathered at the steps of the Wabaunsee County Courthouse to present a covenant stating their agreed definition of marriage citing bible verses.

They also set principles for engaged, married and separated couples.

"As Wabaunsee County clergy, we recognize an unprecedented need and responsibility to help couples begin, build and sustain better marriages and to restore those threatened by divorce," said Pastor Andrew McHenry, Maple Hill Community Congregational Church.

Among the covenant's principles are: pre-marriage counseling, living separately before marriage, and working through problems rather than divorce.