Madrid parishes read diocesan statement in support of June 18 demonstrations

Madrid, Spain, Jun 6, 2005 / 22:00 pm

A statement by the Archdiocese of Madrid in support of the pro-family demonstrations to take place on June 18 was read in numerous parishes throughout the Spanish capital this past Sunday. 

Thousands of people are expected to gather on that date to express their disapproval of same-sex unions and the adoption of children by homosexual couples.

The statement, which was written by the Lay Council of the archdiocese, was read at the end of Mass in parishes throughout Madrid.  Officials expected it to be read in all of the archdiocese’s parishes by next Sunday.

In the statement, the Lay Council expressed its support of “the demonstrations called for by the Spanish Forum on the Family, and to which many other institutions and religious confessions have responded, and we invite all to participate in the gathering.”

The statement was requested by the Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, in order “to directly inform about the demonstration scheduled for June 18 and about the motives behind it, as well as to invite people to respond as much as possible to the call,” Auxiliary Bishop of Madrid, Fidel Herraez, emphasized in a letter to priests.

Bishop Juan Jose Omella of Calahorra and Secretary of the Committee on Social Ministry of the Bishops Conference of Spain, expressed his support for the demonstrations being organized by the laity, who wish “to have their voices heard.”  He offered his prayers for the success of the event and expressed hope that “the leaders who talk so much (about dialogue) will listen to the cries of the people.”