Paula
N. Fellingham, Executive Director, Families
Worldwide
Attending the World Congress of Families II was a
marvelous experience. The conference represented
a coming together of individuals and
organizations with diverse religious faith,
cultural backgrounds, and ethnic origins. Yet,
despite our differences, there was a tie which
bound us together: our shared commitment to the
promotion of the natural family as the
fundamental unit of society. This common bond
transcends religious and cultural boundaries. The
result was a dynamic synergy...a powerful energy
that permeated every event at the conference.
I anticipated and looked forward to The World
Congress of Families for over a year. I had the
opportunity of working with Dr. Richard Wilkins
(professor of law at BYU and Director of NGO
Family Voice, one of the co-sponsors of the
conference) in the early preparations for the
event. I helped with the "Call From The
Families Of The World" for many
months...personally distributing 25,000 copies of
the document. At the conference it was delightful
to meet many dedicated individuals, and partner
with fine organizations who are dedicated to the
same things I am - strengthening the families of
the world. What a joy it was to visit with people
who share similar goals...who are of one heart.
Brad Stone, CEO of Families Worldwide, has spent
many hours making available the speeches given at
the World Congress of Families. I invite you to
feast on the words of the men and women who have
dedicated years to family-strengthening efforts.
Briefly I would like to share with you some of
the things I learned at the conference which were
especially meaningful to me. First, regardless of
theological and cultural distinctions, the
world's great religions do share a common
conception of the natural family. For example, in
the Qur'an it states: "Allah has made for
you mates from yourselves and made for you out of
them, children and grandchildren." The
Bible, in the second chapter of Genesis, reflects
the same truth: "And the Lord God said, It
is not good that the man should be alone."
The importance of the family unit established by
Adam, Eve and their children is recognized in The
Torah and explained in the Catechism of the Roman
Catholic Church: "The family is the original
ell of social life. It is the natural society in
which husband and wife are called to give
themselves in love and in the gift of life.
Authority, stability, and a life of relationships
withing the family constitute the foundations for
freedom, security, and fraternity within
society." This common conception of the
natural family must not be forgotten or neglected
by society, for it provides the basis for a
stable, productive and peaceful world.
Second, social policies which focus on protecting
and fortifying our shared conception of the
natural family will strengthen society. By
contrast, policies that disregard (or, even
worse, undermine) the central role of the family
will have disastrous consequences. (From Richard
Wilkins' address "Recognizing Our Shared
Commitment to the Natural Family)
Third, there is reason to be of good cheer. We
set forth at the World Congress of Families II a
Statement of Principles which was ratified
unanimously by all 1500 delegates in attendance.
It will be used for the good of present and
future generations as they work, even fight, to
uphold the institution of the natural family as
the basic unit of society.
|
If you are interested in
additional information, or would like to set up a
Families Worldwide Chapter in your community,
please feel free to contact us via
e-mail.
Families
Worldwide
5278 Pinemont Dr., Suite A-180.
Salt Lake City, UT 84123 USA
Phone: USA 801/262-6878
Fax: USA 801/262-7107
Send comments and suggestions to Webmaster
|
