Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The legalisation of abortion and euthanasia in a growing number of countries, annuls the prohibition of private use of violence and killing of human lives, the first condition of legitimacy for a state ruled by democracy. Abortion and euthanasia are key problems of ethical policies and a challenge for Christian social doctrine which has among its fundamental duties defence of human life. This matter will be discussed from a point of view of Christian social doctrine at a Symposium organised in the Vatican, 15 and 16 September by the by Association Internationale pour l’Enseignement Social Chrétien AIESC and the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace .
After an introductory address by AIESC president Prof. Manfred Spieker, Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, president Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, will give a talk on the general theme of the Symposium: “Defence of life, a mission of Christian social teaching”. Scholars, university docents and experts from various countries will treat more specific themes. Friday 15 September: abortion in the light of the social doctrine of the Church; defence of life from the Christian Orthodox and Anglican point of view; freedom to die; towards global protection of life; modern reproductive medicine and its impact on marriage and family life; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and the Church’s social teaching. Saturday 16 September: defence of human life a condition for the legitimacy of a democracy; the triumph of the market over the family; new tasks for the Church and her social doctrine in defence of human life. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 15/9/2006 - Righe 19; Parole 263)
