Forum: Partner religious communities to boost marriage and parenthood

Singapore’s resident

total fertility rate fell to a historic low of 0.87

in 2025. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah has

called for a society-wide reset

, rightly noting that the Government cannot act alone.

As a pastor, I think religious communities are among the most naturally aligned partners in this effort. Singapore is deeply multi-religious. Many citizens are actively involved in faith groups. Mosques, churches, temples and synagogues are not just places of worship; they are also communities where relationships are formed and life’s major milestones, namely courtship, marriage and parenthood, are supported and celebrated.

Importantly, religious leaders speak with moral authority to people who already trust them. A pastoral conversation that reassures a young couple that they need not be perfect parents may achieve what no brochure or Baby Bonus calculator can.

This is not a call for religious groups to shape policy or for public funds to promote any particular faith. Rather, it is about recognising existing social infrastructure. Many faith communities already offer, or could consider, informal childcare support, meal networks for new parents, and mentorship from experienced families, including grandparents within the congregation. With modest coordination and support, such community-led initiatives could be strengthened, much as the Government already partners voluntary welfare organisations of various religious affiliations today.

Most faith traditions regard marriage and family as significant and meaningful. That values-based encouragement may help shift mindsets away from anxiety about parenthood towards confidence and shared responsibility.

At the same time, secular Singaporeans should be equally supported through community centres, alumni groups, sports clubs and other social networks. The goal is not to privilege one group, but to meet people where they already are, within the communities they already trust.

As the new work group on marriage and parenthood begins its task, formally engaging both religious and secular community leaders as active partners, not merely consultees, could strengthen this whole-of-society approach. Time is of the essence.

Ian Toh Kok Kiang