Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Fides Service) - The family in Asia needs to be oriented towards a culture of life, the Bishops of Asia agreed during a general assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences FABC held in Korea in August. The Bishops of Korea have identified this need as a pastoral priority after a survey was made in the diocese of Suwon by the Office for Evangelisation.
The Office issued a questionnaire to 559 couples who had applied to parishes to take part in courses of preparation for marriage. The survey showed that the opinions and attitudes of baptised couples were not very different from non-Christian couples. Our people need more formation in Church teaching with regard to the family and life, the office said.
The survey showed that 80% of the couples agree with pre-marital sexual relations. Besides sexual laxity, couples also showed weakness with regard to questions of bio-ethics, and with regard to Church teaching on abortion. Many couples think abortion should be allowed when a baby shows some deformity 67,6%, or in the case of rape 81.1%. While 60% agree with divorce if it leads to “a better life”.
With regard to the outcome of the survey the experts stress the need to provide adequate formation on human sexuality, life and the vocation of marriage during the first years of catechism. In fact 35% of the people interviewed said they had never received any teaching on subjects regarding the family. The office said it is clear that the gap between church teaching and life is due to the fact that families are not given proper formation.
According to Rev. Andrew Lee Yong-gi, in charge of family pastoral in Suwon diocese, “the survey demonstrates that the main challenge for our ministry is family pastoral care: the family’s main responsibility, to welcome and protect life, is today in serious danger”.
Using the findings of the survey and in the light of the conclusions issued by the FABC after its recent plenary assembly, the diocesan office will issue guidelines for pastoral care of couples and families.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/9/2004 lines 28 words 285)
