Family Congress Conclusion: Unprecedented Crisis

VALENCIA, Spain, JULY 10, 2006 (Zenit.org).- "The family is subjected to an unprecedented crisis," concluded the participants of the Theological-Pastoral Congress.

The congress was held in the context of the 5th World Meeting of Families which ended on Sunday.

Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, read the eight-page document of conclusions.

"The congress has manifested the existence of a paradoxical situation in contemporary culture in regard to the family," the document states, " ... the great social changes, technological advancements, migratory movements and profound cultural changes lead to a change of civilization which requires men formed to address the changes."

"Witnessed at the same time is the family's subjection to a crisis without precedents in history.

"The reasons are found above all in cultural and ideological factors. The current mentality tends to eliminate values. The persistent action of a secularism of nihilist and relativist root leads to an individualist way of living," it continues.

The congress criticized the "ideological pressure" exerted and called for awareness of the importance of the family and of contributing to its development."

Profound joy

However, participants in the congress expressed their "profound joy" because, they said, it was "a manifestation of richness, spirituality and life."

The congress recognized that "some of the values that prevail in several countries, especially in the most developed, are in contradiction with those that facilitate the Christian understanding of the family."

"The principle of autonomy is imposed which leads to consumerism, relativism and subjectivism, ignoring transcendental principles," the document says. "That mentality supports criticism of marriage trying to replace it with free unions."

The congress urged "Christian families to be aware of the important mission incumbent on them in service of the Church and of the whole of humanity."

Present problems

Some of the conclusions were dedicated to the family's present problems and challenges in the areas of civil legislation, social justice, the economy, bioethics and demography.

But, the congress highlighted the advent of numerous new initiatives to disseminate the faith: special centers of family formation, courses of preparation for marriage, centers of matrimonial spirituality, specialized retreats, courses for parents, and others.

Dioceses have also created commissions for the family. Noted was a constant concern to improve catechetical contents relating to the family.

Finally, the congress recognized the fundamental role of education and of religion courses as well as the importance of parents' associations.