Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - “We are protagonists of the culture of life.” This was the title of the Message issued by the Bishops' Commission for Bioethics on the 15th Day of Life, celebrated on Pentecost, May 31, 2009.
The Commission, presided by Bishop Gabriel Chang Bong-hun, encourages all the faithful to take up their own responsibilities in living, bearing witness to, and spreading “the culture of life.”
“ Many of us, in the situation in which we live, amidst a prevailing culture of death, should recognize the urgent need to regain an awareness of the relationship with God and the need to indicate authentic values,” the Message said.
The document expresses serious concern for the crisis of life in today's society, in which people and media violate human life, especially in bioethics, amidst a general indifference. The Message recalls that human life is never a means to an end and therefore, it cannot be used as an instrument. No one can claim the right to place an end to a life and no authority and legitimately authorize this right, the text says.
The Bishop affirms: “We believe in the Lord of Life, risen from the dead in glory: this is why we live in the hope that life will conquer death. God, who loves life and gives with generosity, is on the side of life and therefore, of goodness, joy, and authentic progress...”
The message exhorts the faithful to be “guardians of life” and reminds them of their role and responsibility in being “protagonists of the culture of life.”
This awareness should especially reach out to the youth, married couples, and families. However, in order to spread a culture of life, there should also be great collaboration among professors, investigators, scientists, politicians, and all those working in mass media. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/5/2009)
