Catholic World News News Feature

Bishops in Central America decry attacks on life, marriage, family January 21, 2005

The Catholic bishops of Central America have joined in a statement condemning the attacks on "the sacredness of the unborn child, the holiness of the family and matrimony, the dignity of women, and the education of youth."

After a meeting in San Jose, Costa Rica, the members of the Secretariat of Bishops' Conferences of Central America (SEDAC) approved a statement expressing grave concerns about the political situation in their region, and particularly the pressure to adopt new policies weakening protection for human life and marriage.

The SEDAC statement also points to "spreading secularism" in Central America, noting that there are "not enough lay Catholics involved in public life to transform society with the principles of the Gospel." The group calls for more energetic evangelization, to build a stronger sense of Christian commitment and identity.