Voice of the Family: Clarity Must Prevail Over Confusion at Catholic Synod
Front Royal, VA (PRWEB) October 08, 2014 -- Three days into the Extraordinary Synod on the Family, there is already turmoil among the leaders of the Catholic Church, said a worldwide coalition of pro-life and pro-family groups.
Voice of the Family British spokesperson John Smeaton said, "There's a clear dividing line between Synod Fathers who are clear about Catholic teaching on human sexuality, and Synod Fathers who offer confusion in their presentation of Church teaching on this and related issues."
In the lead-up to the Synod, which goes from October 5 to October 19, many Church leaders offered "disturbing and perplexing opinions about critical Church teachings on family," said North American spokesperson John-Henry Westen.
According to Westen, the problem was enhanced by Pope Francis at the start of the Synod. "It was startling to see the Pope self-identify as a non-conservative, in an interview released on the first day of the Synod," said Westen. "Of specific concern is the approach to same-sex relationships that exists within the Synod itself. Confusion is rampant."
Irish spokesperson Patrick Buckley said, "Some of the reported interventions in the Synod are not in accordance with Catholic teaching and yet are being released without adequate comment, resulting in confusion about church teaching."
Voice of the Family Coordinator Maria Madise said that despite her group's concerns, it is hoped that "The right and duty of parents to be the primary educators of their children -- which are rooted in their life-giving union and parental love -- will be clearly affirmed in the next days of the Synod."
"This is what has brought us together - concern for our families and gratitude to all who have gathered here in Rome to help and defend them," said Madise.
About Voice of the Family:
Voice of the Family consists of 15 member organizations from eight nations on five continents. Members include Campaign Life Catholics, Campaign Life Coalition Canada, Catholic Voice, Culture of Life Africa, European Life Network, Hnutí Pro život ČR, Human Life International (HLI), LifeSiteNews.com, the National Association of Catholic Families (NACF), Profesionales por la Ética, Catholic Democrats, CENAP, Family Life International NZ, National Association of Catholic Families (NACF), and the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC).
Voice of the Family is an international lay coalition of major pro-life and pro-family organizations that formed to offer expertise and resources to leaders of the church, the media, NGOs, and governments before, during, and after the Catholic Church's Synod on the Family. Its membership includes 15 influential pro-life and pro-family groups across the world. Its principles focus on changing the Culture of Death through sacramental marriage, opposition to contraception and abortion, and empowering parents.
Learn more about Voice of the Family at http://www.voiceofthefamily.info
Dustin Siggins, Voice of the Family, +1 (888) 678-6008 Ext: 939, [email protected]
Share this article