AFRICA/REPUBLIC OF CONGO - “Moral decadence in the West is starting to affect Africa” a mission in the Republic of Congo told Fides. “Therefore I welcome the pro-family demonstration in Madrid on June 18”

Brazzaville (Fides Service)- “Every day the family comes under attack, troops and militiamen engage in violence against poor, helpless women and mothers ” said a Holy Ghost Father on mission in the Pool region of the Republic of Congo still in the grip of anarchy due to the presence of militiamen and gangs of criminals. The priest, whose name we prefer not mention for security reasons recalled that “African culture is founded on the family. But in recent years we are seeing deviations coming from western culture and the first consequence is wholesale violence against women”.
“The presence of western personnel and circulation of western films and videos with highly erotic content induce behaviour which was hitherto alien to traditional African morality and sexuality. “For example in the Republic of Congo homosexual practices did not exist. But now there are cases of young men being initiated in these practices by Europeans”.
“So although the principal threats to the family in Congo are poverty and insecurity, moral decadence creeping in from the West is also a danger. So I therefore welcome the pro-family demonstration in Madrid on June 18” the missionary concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/6/2005 righe 22 parole 254)