4th World Congress of Families Concludes
WARSAW, Poland, MAY 15, 2007, Zenit.org - The family is life, and without it there is no state or government, said Roman Giertych, the deputy prime minister of Poland, addressing the World Congress of Families.
More than 3,300 delegates assembled in Warsaw's historic Palace of Culture and Science for the 4th World Congress of Families, May 11-13.
Participants came from as far away as Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Afghanistan, Nepal, Nigeria and the Philippines.
Giertych, also minister of education, greeted the congress on behalf of the Polish government, saying: "The World Congress of Families is a great honor for Poland. It is a sign that Poland is seen as the hope for Europe and the world."
Inese Slesere, a member of the Latvian Parliament, addressed the opening session. She said: "I have participated in the 3rd World Congress of Families in Mexico in 2004 and many other pro-family conferences throughout the world.
"I must admit that sharing the experiences and discussions from the world congress has deeply influenced my work as a member of the Parliament of Latvia."
The congress discussed and analyzed issues impacting the family such as abortion, the move to legitimize so-called same-sex marriage, population decline, pornography, attacks on the family in news and entertainment media, as well as ways to strengthen the family through tax policy, home-based businesses and the renewal of traditional religion.
Closing remarks
At the closing session, comments were read from Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, and Margarita Zabala Gómez del Campo, the first lady of Mexico.
Cardinal López Trujillo was schedule to deliver his address in person, but was unexpectedly called back to Rome before the closing session. His remarks were read by Father Grzegorz Kaszak.
The cardinal's message noted, "The vocation of marriage is written in the very nature of man and woman."
The president of the family council recalled the importance of recognizing the falsehood of relativism, especially witnessed by many Polish citizens of the 20th century in their fight for freedom.
The letter from Mexico's first lady said: "Today, more than ever before throughout the world, there is a need to think of the family, because when you protect the family, you are protecting society and the nation."
Allan Carlson, the international secretary of the World Congress of Families concluded: "We are delighted that we were able to come to Poland to show solidarity with the people of Europe who are defending the natural family.
"We look to future congresses where we can build on the success of Warsaw."
Code: ZE07051518
Date: 2007-05-15