Bishops of Mexico call for defense of the family

The Bishops' Conference of Mexico issued a statement April 18 calling for the defense of the traditional family, which provides "well being to people in our democratic society."

In the message entitled, "The family: the heart and face of hope for the Church and society in Mexico," the bishops recalled this topic as a central issue discussed at their 93rd annual assembly.

They denounced various threats to the family, including divorce, civil unions, violence and abandonment, and said Mexicans should look to the Bible for guidance on how to avoid them.

"All of Sacred Scripture is a revelation of the traits and mission of the family. It is the sure source of its identity. We invite everyone to read it and to be guided by it," the bishops said.

They encouraged Mexicans not to be afraid "to open our freedom to the original plan of God, who created man and woman in his image and likeness, different yet complementary, and he bestowed on them the blessing of fertility."

"The family is called to be a reflection of the love and the Trinitarian life of God, and based on this conviction, we see it as the heart and face of hope for the Church and for society in Mexico," the bishops said.

"This is the time of the family! The future of evangelization, like humanity itself, depends greatly on it. For this reason, let us make the love and trust Pope John Paul II had for the family our own and say, Family, believe in what you are! Family, be what you are!"

They went on to note the importance of both the father and the mother in families, and they stressed that children are the "visible sign and fruit of their love. They need both parents to forge a healthy personality," the bishops said, "and this requires stability and co-responsibility in marriage."

After encouraging schools and media outlets to appropriately collaborate with parents in the education of their children, the bishops told families: "You are a school of peace. You teach us the way of peace through justice based on reconciliation and forgiveness. Family, the entire Mexican nation needs you!"

They concluded by encouraging Mexicans to attend the 8th World Congress of Families, which will take place May 30 - June 3 in Milan, Italy, and to fervently live the Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI to begin on October 11.

Read more: http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/Americas.php?id=5302#ixzz1ssbi91EY

Click here to share this news story with a friend.

Terms of Use    Privacy Policy