OCR Text |
Show Page 8 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume II, Issue I October 1999 A Call From The Families Of The World We come together from diverse national, cultural, social and faith communities to affirm the natural human family. The natural family is the fundamental social unit, inscribed in human nature, and centered around the voluntary union of a man and a woman in a lifelong covenant of marriage for the purposes of: • satisfying the longings of the human heart to give and receive love; • welcoming and ensuring the full physical and emotional development of children; • sharing a home that serves as the center for social, educational, economic, and spiritual life; • building strong bonds among the generations to pass on a way of life that has transcendent meaning; and • extending a hand of compassion to individuals and households whose circumstances fall short of these ideals. Today, however, certain social, political and economic forces threaten the natural family, tearing the social fabric at local, national and international levels. Under slogans such as “modernity,”“globalization,” and “progress,” and in the name of “Civil Society,” these forces have weakened the bonds between husband and wife, parent and child, and the generations. These ideologies deny the natural origin and status of the family, the equal but complementary roles of men and women, the miracle of human fertility and procreation, the dignity and worth of every human person, and the authority of the family itself. The family, which develops and sustains not only individuals but all larger communities, has been subordinated to the agendas of pressure groups, ignored by economic decision makers, and subjected to social experimentation. Therefore, we call for the convening of the World Congress of Families II in the 1999 for the purposes of: • rallying organizations and individuals to protect and fortify the natural family; • developing guidelines for the formulation and implementation of familycentered policies and laws; • raising worldwide awareness of the objectives and results of the congress through the dissemination of information to mass media, scholars, public officials, government bodies, religious leaders, family organizations, and the public at large; and • creating ongoing structures for mutual cooperation and support. Signature(s): Country: Number of persons in our family: Note: By signing “A Call From the Families of the World” you indicate your support of the goals and objectives of the upcoming World Congress of Families II in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Congress of Families II will seek to promote family stability; autonomy, and fecundity while extending a hand of compassion to individuals and households whose circumstances differ from the ideal. Please send this signed “Call” to: IF THE FAMILY MATTERS? By Janet Hoffmann This past summer I attended two funerals, one for my dear friend Jeannie Clark and one for Waylon Cade Montgomery who I never met. It brought back memories of my own son, Cody who died last August. Josh, Cade’s father, mentioned how badly he hurt as he pointed to his heart. I know the feeling well, as I’m sure the Clark and Montgomery families do. In the past when I heard people talk about heartache I never realized it was a literal pain. I have experienced many sad times in my life but nothing hurt as much as the loss of my son. On June 5th Cody would have been 25 years old. I wish I could still be with Cody and watch him hold his small daughter, or pull his wife close and call her “Buddy.” His smile was like a breath of fresh air to me. I ache from not being able to have my son a part of my life. I’m not saying that my relationship with my son is over but it’s not like it used to be, the familiar earthly kind. I’m so glad Cody is a part of our family. Experiencing the death of a loved one reinforced my feelings about the importance of family. The family unit is the most important component of our global society. I personally believe this to be true. I’ve always thought that all people realized this, but now I know differently. Recently I was told about a conference held in 1996 in Istanbul. This conference was a United Nations conference where international laws for the coming century were being outlined. Richard G. Wilkins, an advocate for families, attended this conference and reported that the family structure is in danger. If the family matters then we need to do what it takes to help preserve the traditional family. In the past, this has meant doing the best with our own families, and helping others where needed. This is no longer possible—there are well-organized groups whose main agenda is to ruin the traditional family. On November 14-17, 1999 a conference will be held in Geneva, Switzerland that will bring together leading scholars, diplomats, religious leaders and governmental officials from around the world to discuss strengthening the family “as the fundamental unit of society.” As a part of the effort, a “Call From the Families of the World” was drafted by an international, inter-faith committee. If you would like to help in this effort, and make sure that the families of the world will be heard, please sign the document “A Call From The Families of The World” provided and send to the address indicated on the form, or visit the world wide web at www.worldcongress.org to send it electronically. Let’s give families our support and let the people of the world know that we believe the family unit should be protected in our society. So many times the silent majority loses important battles because they don’t know that there is a battle going on. Let’s not lose this one. Let’s prove that families matter. If you have any questions or comments please write: If The Family Matters, PO BOX 161, EDEN, UT 84310, or call 7451339, E-mail JHoffm1339@aol.com, or fax 745-2505. Note: Richard G. Wilkins has written an article called “Family Talk” which you can find on page 7 of this newspaper. Also, he will be a speaker at a community meeting on families, October 27, 1999 at Snowcrest Jr. High School at 7:00 p.m.. Mark it on your calendar and plan to attend. Kris Parker - Owner Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Minor - Ornamental Horticulture (801) 726-6752 (801) 771-8336 e-mail: Kpark1198@aol.com WORLD CONGRESS OF FAMILIES II PMB 212 6260 EAST RIVERSIDE BLVD ROCKFORD IL 61111 USA We have propane and natural gas conversion kits for your Generator Complete line of solar products Nonelectric pellet stoves Wood, coal, fuel oil boilers, fu r n a c e s a n d s t o v e s Cabin power centers Generators Gas,LP,D Solar water heating Radiant floor heating Propane refrigerators Instant hot water heaters Solar pool heating Wind generators Hydro generators Water filters In Hot Water Heat & Power Box 807, Eden Ut. 1-801-745-2009 ibrodn@uswest.net Providing Complete Landscape Design & Installation Prompt & Professional Assistance Call for your spring reservations New Home or Existing Home Renovations Call for a Free Estimate |