Posted on 08/24/2015 3:05:35 PM PDT by markomalley
African bishops continue to fight for life, marriage and family in their country.
Following a pro-life rally that drew more than 1,000 supporters, the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference (GCBC) issued a statement resolving to resist evils such as abortion, population control, adulterous remarriages, promiscuity and sodomy.
1. Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26–27). Human life is God's gift and this life begins at conception. Thus, every nation, every institution, every man and woman must respect, protect and uphold the dignity and sanctity of every human life from the moment of conception until its natural end.
2. Sacramental marriage is instituted by God as a permanent and indissoluble union between one man and one woman; open to life and love. Thus, other forms of unions such as homosexual unions and adulterous unions are inimical to the mind of the Creator. They undermine the integrity of the human being and the family and as such should never be promoted or supported in our society.
3. The family is the cradle where life is welcomed, nurtured and protected. Thus, every family, with marriage at its core, must create a conducive environment where the inestimable value of life is emphasized and upheld.
4. Chastity and fidelity are core virtues that are indeed at the root of every culture of life and civilization of love. Therefore, they should be promoted in our society as a core aspect of pro-life and pro-family activism.
5. Professionals, men and women, especially in the fields of medicine, sciences, law, politics, academia and media, are obliged to use their experiences and expertise to promote and protect the sanctity of life, the dignity of human sexuality, the blessings of motherhood and the beauty of family-togetherness in our society.
The GCBC wasn't content just to lay out these truths as abstract ideals. On such foundations, Ghana's bishops pledged to enact certain measures in order to instill the relevant virtues in the society.
We hereby resolve to:
1. Help fight the emergence of the culture of death in Ghana through the teaching and promotion of the Gospel of life.
2. Speak against and help fight the radical promotion of abortion, the use of condoms and other forms of contraception by various international groups and organizations through international platforms and humanitarian aid.
3. Assist our youth to reject the hyper-sexualization and morally objectionable campaigns being pursued by some international organizations in our country so that our youth, having embraced the true Gospel of life, will be able to make morally responsible choices regarding their sexuality in the light of the same Gospel of life.
4. Resist the intentional disregard for our cultural identity and values especially on issues relating to the sanctity of life and the dignity of human sexuality.
5. Resist the persistent and pernicious attempts to impose population control on Africa by wealthy philanthropists, donor nations and international organizations who are pursuing this agenda subtly under the platform of sexual and reproductive and health rights.
6. Work with government, other faith-based organizations and civil society groups as well as the media to promote and sustain the importance of faith and family in human development, public education and in the social order.
Last fall, Ghana's bishops affirmed the Church's teaching on "divorce and remarriage" as well. "The Church will also continue to teach that divorce from a living and lawful spouse is not permitted by the Church because it separates what God has joined together," they stated in November.
Bishops in Africa have been establishing themselves as valuable opponents to attacks — from both inside and outside the Church — against life, marriage and the family. A couple of weeks ago, one Kenyan cardinal warned Kenyans living in America about the destructive influence of modern Western ideologies that distort family life. Other Church leaders there stood up against President Obama when he came and pushed for government-endorsed sodomy.
God Bless them all.
The excesses of Western Decadence are as repulsive and repugnant to decent people throughout the world and across time as are the excesses of Roman Decadence.
Those who acquiesce to it are fools. They deserve and have the contempt of decent people everywhere and for all time.
Dittos!
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