Posted on 08/23/2018 7:15:11 PM PDT by Ennis85
THOSE who seek to put a tight or traditional definition on the meaning of family are out of touch and run the real danger of creating exclusion, division and inequality. This is something which the organisers of the World Meeting of Families have been learning.
The fact individuals and groups do not feel welcome at the gathering is a matter of record and something which as a campaigner, activist and a public representative I regret.
Next month, my department will publish research showing the notion of the “nuclear family” is outdated and for hundreds of thousands of people does not reflect reality. A new report, ‘Family and Household Structure in Ireland’, will lay out what modern family and home life means for men, women and children throughout the country.
Between 1996 and 2016, the number of families in our communities increased by 230,000.
Cohabiting couples, many of whom are lesbian and gay, accounted for an extra 63,000 families and single parents an extra 90,000 families.
In fact, one in every three families now fall outside that definition of a “nuclear family”.
Cold and anonymous as statistics may appear, these tell the story of a society that has changed utterly.
This summer, many of us who do not fall into line with the thinking of the Catholic hierarchy on such matters have been carrying out our own reflections and indeed celebrations.
Like tens of thousands of others, I marched in the Dublin Pride parade under the banner #WeAreFamily.
It was a proud and emotional moment as I made my way through the city with my brother Mark, who was visiting from Seattle.
We were joined by former President Mary McAleese, her family and thousands of young people who had come together to mark the world’s first National LGBTI+ Youth Strategy. It was an inclusive, loving weekend.
Sexual identity, or indeed any other circumstance, should not and must not exclude anyone from being recognised as part of a family.
To do so would be to deny the existence of a lifelong bond which provides love, care and support that we all depend on throughout our lives, not least during times of personal crisis, ill health or stress.
To be recognised as a family is to be valued. Those who are valued in turn make a greater contribution to our country. Those contributions benefit us all – in every aspect of social, cultural and economic life.
The actions and mixed messages from the World Meeting of Families have in some ways made it an easy target for criticism. However, it is more difficult to stand back and question our own actions and policies as a country and a society.
ARE we doing enough to ensure every family feels included, supported and valued? It is a huge question – one which needs to be reflected in every area of Government policy.
Policies, regulations and laws need to be carefully examined to ensure they do not have a detrimental impact that could discriminate against any family.
It is a high bar – but one that should be set if we are genuinely serious about recognising the value of families. As an exercise, it will not be easy. Policies and approaches may need to be revisited. Almost certainly greater Government investment will be required.
In my own direct area of responsibility, I have been reflecting on this and a number of actions are under way.
We have been working to change one of the most expensive childcare systems in the world into the best. Even with an 80pc increase in investment secured over the past two years – to €485m this year, there is still a huge task ahead to bring us even closer to the international norm.
Next month too we will undertake the first ever national campaign in print, on the airwaves and online highlighting the supports available through Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
It will increase awareness about services such as family resources centres, which provide valuable services from cradle to grave.
These are concrete steps which do bring a family focus to policy and law.
In addition, I believe we should join Canada, Vietnam, South Africa and others who have designated a public holiday to celebrate family – all families.
Here, the August bank holiday is an obvious choice. By naming this as a family holiday, the Government would give a focus to the long weekend and promote it as an opportunity for all to gather with their loved ones and celebrate.
Local events could be held with a strong focus on ensuring everyone is made to feel welcome, those of all ages, cultures and beliefs. No exclusions. Family is, after all, primarily about inclusion and love.
History has shown us no person, government or church can ever take that away from us.
Katherine Zappone is Children’s Minister.
And the Catholic Church is sprinkling holy water on this crap. In a couple years, nobody in Ireland will even remember what those church buildings were for--or will visit them only after they've been reinvented as gay pubs.
To be fair, this writer is complaining that the Catholic Church in Ireland is sticking to the traditional definition of family.
“Next month, my department will publish research showing the notion of the “nuclear family” is outdated and for hundreds of thousands of people does not reflect reality.”
Chicago being a prime example of how well this theory applies in the real world.
With a wink and a nod . . . and she knows that it won’t take much to turn them all into Fr. Martin.
But, of course, there is nothing wrong with excluding those who would maintain the traditional meaning of family, right?
Cold and anonymous as statistics may appear, these tell the story of a society that has changed utterly.
What has changed can also changed again are revert to its previous form.
This summer, many of us who do not fall into line with the thinking of the Catholic hierarchy on such matters have been carrying out our own reflections and indeed celebrations.
No, it is the thinking of God. Take up your beef with Him.
You are correct.
God established what defines a family. There is no other definition.
“world meeting”?
Wow…the world must be really small.
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