Synod’s final report “fails to resolve confusion”, says pro-family coalition

18 October 2014

ROME, 18 October 2014: The final report issued by the Extraordinary Synod on the Family fails to resolve the confusion caused by the Synod, says Voice of the Family https://voiceofthefamily.com an international coalition of pro-family groups.

Paragraphs containing controversial ideas on sexual morality remain in the published document, even though these paragraphs did not receive the required two-thirds majority of Synod members. The Vatican’s spokesmen made clear that these paragraphs remain subject to discussion at next year’s Ordinary Synod. Although the final report contains some significant improvements on the original draft, the voting numbers reveal that most Synod Fathers remain open to proposals contrary to Catholic teaching, such as Holy Communion for Catholics in invalid ‘second’ marriages.

Maria Madise, Voice of the Family’s coordinator, said: “The architects of the Extraordinary Synod are responsible for deepening the confusion that has already damaged families since the Sexual Revolution of the 1960s. This confusion will now continue from today through to next year’s Ordinary Synod.

“There has been much talk about ‘welcoming’ and ‘accompanying’ people, but this is impossible without the clarity of the truth.

“Several Synod Fathers protested openly in the past days against manipulation by liberals among the Synod’s officials, such as Archbishop Bruno Forte. Gratitude and admiration is due to those Synod Fathers who – despite manipulation – voted to uphold Christ’s doctrine on Holy Matrimony and sexual purity.

“We thank the many concerned Catholics who have told us that Voice of the Family is speaking up for them. We urge all those concerned to defend the family to join us as we start the long preparation for next year’s Ordinary Synod on the Family”, concluded Miss Madise.

Related press releases by Voice of the Family:
Synod’s Message ‘weak and ambiguous’, say family groups
Pro-family Catholics reject Synod mid-way report, calling it ‘a betrayal’

About Voice of the Family:

Voice of the Family can be contacted by email to enquiry@voiceofthefamily.info or by telephone on +39 33 833 09443 (Italian mobile) or +44 (0)20 7820 3148 (UK landline)

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Voice of the Family is an international lay coalition of major pro-life and pro-family organizations that has 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. The Synod will be held from October 5 to 19 in Rome.

Voice of the Family consists of 18 member organizations from nine nations on five continents. Members include:

• Alfa Szövetség/Alpha Alliance
• Campagne Québec-Vie
• Campaign Life Catholics
• Campaign Life Coalition Canada
• Catholic Democrats
• Catholic Voice
• CENAP
• Culture of Life Africa
• European Life Network
• Famiglia Domani
• Family Life International NZ
• Hnutí Pro život ČR
• Human Life International (HLI)
• Liga pár páru ČR
• LifeSiteNews.com
• National Association of Catholic Families (NACF)
• Profesionales por la Ética
• Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC)

The following truths are at the heart of Voice of the Family’s work:

• Sacramental marriage, binding parents together in an indissoluble union, is the greatest protector of children both born and unborn.
• The artificial separation of the unitive and procreative dimensions of the sexual act is a major catalyst of the culture of death.
• Parents are the primary educators of their children and it is through the education and formation of parents, and future parents, that the culture of life will be built.