When it comes to the topic of civil divorce in the Philippines, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCP) has made its stance clear in a recent pastoral statement issued on July 11. Titled ‘A Nation Founded on Family, A Family Founded on Marriage,’ the statement urges a cautious and reflective approach before embracing legislation that would legalize divorce.
Leading the charge is Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David, President of the CBCP, who emphasizes the Church’s unwavering commitment to the sanctity of marriage. While acknowledging the role of legislative bodies and the principle of separation of Church and State, Bishop David urges a thoughtful consideration of the consequences of introducing divorce laws in the Philippines.
With the Philippines standing as one of the last countries without legal civil divorce, aside from Vatican City, Bishop David poses a crucial question: ‘Should we therefore join the bandwagon?’ Citing concerning statistics on the high failure rates of marriages, the bishops raise red flags about the long-term implications of legalizing divorce in the country.
Highlighting the pivotal role of the Filipino family as the cornerstone of the nation, the CBCP underlines the potential risks of rushing into the legalization of divorce. They acknowledge the complexities of marriage, noting that not all unions are ‘joined together by God’ and can be annulled, but stress the need for a careful and compassionate approach, especially in consideration of the impact on children and society at large.
The pastoral statement calls for a balanced and informed dialogue among all stakeholders, steering clear of personal attacks and focusing on the welfare of families and the moral fabric of society. The bishops hope that lawmakers will heed their call for prudence and discernment before making any decisions that could significantly alter the social landscape of the Philippines.
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