Bishops lead civil society in upholding rights of families

BISHOPS, lawmakers, government officials and members of civil society reiterated their common stand in upholding the rights of families to found their families according to their religious convictions in a recent Human Life International congress held in Cebu City last August 24-25.

In a statement participants to the congress collectively committed themselves to resist population control in any form and oppose the passage of any bills that promote the “culture of death.”

Bishops participants included Jaro Archbishop and CBCP President Angel Lagdameo, Cardinal Ricardo Vidal and Auxiliary Bishop Julito Cortez of Cebu, Bishop-emeritus Jesus Varela of Sorsogon and Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran.

Criticizing the over-population propaganda being advocated by the government, the participants urged government officials to support programs and legislation that strengthen the family.

“[We] earnestly urge government officials, local and national, as well as lawmakers, to support programs and legislation that genuinely strengthen the family and to invest in its total development, instead of espousing programs/bills that tend to destroy it,” they said.

The participants also committed to relentlessly pursue the promotion of Fertility Awareness at all levels of society, especially on the grassroots.

Human sexuality should also be regarded in the context of God’s plan for humanity and the value of marriage, the statement said.

The participants also resolved to fight all efforts of propaganda that promotes freedom of sexual orientation which undermines the stability of families and to support the absolute duty of parents over the education of their children in human sexuality.

“[We] uphold the exclusive responsibility and the right of parents over the education of their children in human sexuality and …help their children achieve sexual integrity and to espouse saving sex for marriage,” they said.

Lawmakers included Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. and some representatives from Congress who are supportive of pro-family bills. Other participants are active members of pro-life and family organizations from the different dioceses in the country.