Family networks for the future of the Church

How can family networks make an effective contribution to the Church and society? This was the topic discussed by participants at the International Seminar ‘Family Networks for the Future of the Church - Challenges for a Project of an International Confederation of Catholic Family Associations,’ which took place on 31 May at the LUMSA University in Rome, as part of the Jubilee for Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly.

The event was sponsored by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life because, as Prof. Gabriella Gambino said in her introductory greeting, the Dicastery recognises "the importance of the association-family combination in ecclesial life and in the public space of civil society worldwide. This combination can be a strategic resource for combating loneliness, individualism and opposition, which are so common today as individual and collective attitudes and can degenerate into conflict."

Giving life to a project for an International Confederation of Catholic Family Associations

Various non-governmental organisations, academics and family networks from around the world took the floor to re-evaluate how families should be connected to each other in order to share their experiences and be represented in society.

The need for mutual reinforcement between families

In a first round table, the role of ‘Family networks for mutual support and closeness’ was discussed with experts from the United States, Chile, Kenya, Lebanon and France. Among the speakers was Dr Julia M. Dezelski, associate director for marriage and family life at the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The second round table, moderated by Vincenzo Bassi, president of FAFCE, discussed the ‘Global Pact for the Family and the Way Forward.’ Among others, Prof. Montserrat Gas-Aixendri, president of the International Network of University Institutes for the Family, spoke.

Among the issues that emerged during the seminar, the following were considered priorities: the need for mutual support among families; the promotion of family networks and associations; the importance of subsidiarity; and strategies for bringing the voice of families to the level of international politics.

Taking up Pope Leo XIV's invitation to active and coordinated commitment also in the field of family policies

The conclusion was delivered by His Excellency Monsignor Dario Gervasi, Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery, who summarised what had emerged during the day: "The pontificate of Leo XIV, with its attention to new social issues, offers us today a great opportunity to take up the call for active and coordinated commitment also in the field of family policies. It is therefore to you here today that I address this invitation: the fruits of your commitment will be reaped in terms of family representation in public decision-making on issues that most concern it, such as the fight against poverty and marginalisation, the harmonisation of time devoted to family and work, the education of children, health care, and care for the elderly and people with disabilities."

The seminar was promoted by FAFCE (Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe) together with the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life and the Family Global Compact, with the Forum of Family Associations, the European Bishops' Conference, and other associations.