European bishops’ conferences present pro-family proposal

Rome, Italy, Nov 7, 2007 / 10:49 am

The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community presented a proposal this week in Brussels to strengthen marriage and the family in the European Union.  The document “Proposal for a Strategy of the European Union for the Support of Couples and Marriage” draws attention to challenges for families in Europe.
 
The document analyzes the difficulties marriage faces in Europe, such as the “demographic implosion” and the high rate of divorce “which has increased more than 50%.”  The bishops hope the plan “strengthens that stable and responsible relationship between a man and a woman, of which marriage is the ideal expression.”

The Commission noted certain aspects of modern society that play a role in the crisis facing the family, such as “the emancipation of women, which is a welcome development,” as well as challenges that demand “a stable relationship that can respond to the multiple challenges of leading a professional career, raising children in a sometimes difficult environment and, perhaps, caring for older members of the family.”

The Commission denounced domestic violence as a cause of family break-ups and said it must be combated in order to prevent “juvenile delinquency.”
 
It also proposed sales tax breaks for families on “products that are essential for children,” and said that parents should be assisted in regulating the influence of the media on their families.