On the occasion of the celebration of the Day of La Altagracia, that honors Our Lady of Altagracia, the religious protector of the Dominican people, the Roman Catholic Bishops in the Dominican Republic issued a statement calling for parents to educate in love and prepare their children for marriage. The bishops say that sexual education is a challenge for the country.
“We reaffirm, concretely, that the movements dedicated to responsible parenthood have the obligation to promote and offer services to regulate births with natural methods in each diocesis, courses, talks, consultations and guidance to young people of childbearing age,” said the Conference of the Dominican Episcopate in a written statement. The bishops say that Catholics face challenges brought about by the globalization of mass media that affect faith and values. They also addressed the rise in teenage pregnancies. “The frequency of divorces and separation of couples is always traumatic for the children. This is another challenge we now face,” said the priests. The bishops backed continuing the effort to strengthen school education that contributes to the welfare and the mission of family, by cultivating values that need to start in the home. The bishops refer to a need for more work opportunities given the rising cost of living.
The Church is critical of abortion, same-sex weddings, and other controversial issues.
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