Pope Francis issues pro-life/pro-family mission statements for all Catholics
Pope Francis issued two strong pro-life/pro-family messages last week. In a message to Brazilian families, he said: "In a particular way, faced with the culture of waste, that relativizes the value of human life, parents are called to pass on to their children the understanding that this must always be defended, already in the mother's womb". And in a message to a Catholic men's fraternity, he called upon them to "bear witness to the authentic nature of marriage and the family, the sanctity and inviolable dignity of human life, and the beauty and truth of human sexuality." John Smeaton, SPUC director, commented: "It is clear, from both the details and the contexts, that these are mission statements, not just for parents or for the Knights of Columbus, but for all the faithful." [John Smeaton, 12 August]
Concern about maternity unit closures and midwives shortages
The group "Save St Helier" is concerned that the proposed closure of the maternity unit at St Helier hospital, Sutton, will jeopardise the safety of expectant mothers and their unborn children, by forcing them to travel all the way to the maternity unit at St George's hospital, Tooting. They argue that St George's is already under increasing strain, and that many such journeys would have to be undertaken during rush-hours on already traffic-jammed roads. SPUC is encouraging its members to read more about these issues and make their concerns known to their local MP and GPs. [John Smeaton, 9 August]
Other stories:
Embryology
- Stem cells: what happened to the radical breakthroughs? [Observer, 11 August]
- "Threats to marriage and family", warn the Bishops of the Province of Ibadan [News.va, 12 August]
- Brazen David Cameron claims after legalising gay mariage that he’s an active Christian who avoids ‘pick and mix’ discipleship [Protect the Pope, 10 August]
- Scottish man fined £40,000 for ‘homophobic’ Twitter message [LifeSiteNews.com, 9 August]
- Madrid Declaration on Science and Life [FIAMC, 13 August]
- Dr John Kelly, veteran English OB/GYN, dies [MaterCare International, 9 August]
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