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Preacher to tell North-East couples how to "affair proof" their marriage

CHURCHES have signed up an evangelical preacher to give sermons on how to 'affair-proof' marriages.

In an admission of slipping morals, North-East churches have signed their congregations up to receive tips on keeping their partners faithful.

Crowds of more than 8,000 are expected to flock to a giant marquee on the site of the Gateshead Flower Festival, Whickham, to listen to evangelical preacher J John when he comes to the region next month.

During his sermons, referred to as "God's Top 10", the 49-year-old will tell couples the secret to stopping affairs is praying together.

As part of his manifesto for affair-proofing marriages, J John suggests couples should not insult or ignore each other in public, take the blame for each other, nourish and cherish the relationship, continue courting each other and commit to the relationship every day.

He is also set to tell the 8,000 strong congregation that adultery can be committed in the mind.

J John said: "To many people, the sexual urge is unstoppable, like a virus, it's just in the air and if you catch it then hard luck. You need to tell yourself that wrong ideas can be fought.

"The biggest lie is that there is no point resisting."

The religious life advice has been brought to the region by David Vardy, son of car showroom tycoon Reg Vardy.

The 63-year-old, who is approaching his 40th wedding anniversary, said: "There was a feeling among a number of church leaders that this particular theme at this time would do much for the North-East.

"Everybody is trying to lead a contented life, which is why we believe this is relevant. The values are foundational for our lives.

"We live in an increasingly superficial world, it's important couples marry for the right reasons.

"The talks won't just be giving a set of rules to live by, the advice J John will give is very practical. We hope couples learn from it."

More than 200 Tyneside churches are already registered as partners for the event.

Ahead of the event, Rev Clive Devonish is urging couples to come to the talks.

The St John's Church priest, for the Greenside Parish, in Gateshead, said: "Many of the problems I encounter among my congregation are linked to relationship worries.

"If people come to me to be married I always try to ensure they're doing it for the right reasons. They can't base their decision on looks or sex because that might not be there in 25 years' time.

"These talks are aimed at helping people find Jesus. When they do that they're free to base their relationships on love and caring."

Other titles in the series expected to pull in the crowds include How to Tame Your Temper and How to Keep Peace With Your Parents.

An amnesty is also being planned giving Christianity converts the chance to hand in weapons and stolen goods.

10:31am Thursday 27th March 2008

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