Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dushanbe (Fides Service) - “The Catholic mission in Tajikistan is deeply concerned about the proposal to give homosexual unions the same status as marriage and the right to adopt children. Unfortunately we learn that the Spanish parliament recently passed this law although it was opposed by the great majority of the Spanish people” Fr Carlos Avila IVE, Superior Tajikistan Catholic Mission said in a letter to Fides in which he expressed concern for recent events in Spain.
The missionary said there is general concern and perplexity at the news. The Catholic community in Tajikistan feels obliged in conscience to express its opposition to the anti-family campaign and wishes on the contrary to bear witness to the Gospel of life and the family: “The sacred rights of the family and children are not something to be voted, they must be protected and promoted” Fr. Carlos told Fides
“Our Catholics wonder how such a thing can come about. Local Muslims also ask what is going in on Europe, are they out of their minds? My neighbours say it is ridiculous to consider legalising homosexual unions, it is an offence to families and an abuse for children. One Catholic said sadly: Father when we see those Gay Pride parades we turn off the television to avoid a scandal for the family. Others say it is shameful and how could such an aberration be explained to children?”.
In his letter to Fides, Fr Avila said also Muslims are against a law which gives same sex unions the status of marriage because “this is not a question of politics or religion, it is good common sense. What they intend to legalise is contrary to natural law and cannot be accepted under any circumstances or changed times. Homosexual unions cannot be called marriage and children need a father and a mother. We must not allow this ulterior abuse of children”.
At the end of his letter Fr Avila says the Catholic community in Tajikistan is praying for the people of Spain and for all men and women of goodwill in that country particularly those in positions of responsiblity who are called to protect the good of the people and safguard the values of a soceity of justice, founded onr espect for the natural law, and the healthy and good inclinations which God has written on the human heart. “We ask the Lord and his Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary not to allow this act of discrimination against the rights of the family and the rights of children”. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 6/7/2005, righe 34, parole 482)
