Developed in part from a consultation of marriage leaders held in New York City on January 24-25, 2000, this statement discusses the importance of marriage in society and strategies for marriage promotion. The paper begins by addressing the goals of the marriage movement, the contemporary marriage crisis, and arguments against the promotion of marriage. The following six dimensions of marriage are then described: marriage is a legal contract; marriage is a sacred promise; marriage is a financial partnership; marriage is a sexual union; marriage is a personal bond; and marriage is a family-making bond. Initiatives to promote marriage are also outlined and include federal, State, and local strategies. A call to action describes how policymakers, married couples, parents, faith communities, community workers, marriage counselors, educators, medical professionals, and lawyers can promote marriage. The statement closes with a list of signatories. 92 references.