Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Berlin (Fides Service) - Prospects and commitments with regard to a new family policy were the focus of a recent Forum on the theme “The future starts here: prospects for marriage and the family” held in Berlin part of a three year programme started in 2005 to promote marriage and the family. The forum, promoted by Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky the Archbishop of Berlin also chairman of the German Bishops’ Commission for Marriage and the Family, was attended by 120 representatives of Churches, civil authorities and Associations and also Germany’s minister for the family, old people and young people.
During the forum it emerged that issues of vital importance for the future of the family include prevention of poverty, encouragement to have larger families, solidarity among generations, education and formation and preparation for marriage. Since the family is the first and fundamental institution for education and formation, a family policy cannot neglect this aspect which should aim to help parents be more involve in the process of children’s formation. The Cardinal underlined the indispensable and fundamental role of marriage. “Marriage, a lasting and personal union of a man and a woman, is a solid institution which offers a frame for a relationship of fidelity and the founding of a family. Instead of trying to invent alternatives to marriage we should ask ourselves: what can we do as Church and as politicians to promote successful marriages? If the Catholic Church is in favour of marriage it is because she is convinced that marriage is the life-form which corresponds best to human nature and it represents a splendid opportunity for the personal growth of husband and wife”.
The three year programme “The future starts here: marriage and the family” is focussing on different themes each year: 2005 the value of marriage and the family for the individual; 2006 the value of marriage and family for society; 2007 the value of marriage and the family in the future and for the future. In 2006 the Church in Germany will work to promote Christian principles with regard to marriage and the family in political fields and in particular with regard to new family policies. (MS) (Agenzia Fides 23/2/2006 - 27 righe, 390 parole)
See more info German Bishops’ Conference
http://dbk.de/ehe-familie-kirche/
