Roman Catholic bishops from Africa on Tuesday denounced what they called a "ferocious onslaught on the family" by sources outside the world's poorest continent.The bishops attending a month-long synod here "described... a ferocious onslaught on the family and the related fundamental institution of marriage from outside Africa, rapporteur Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson told a news briefing.
Summing up the talks so far, the Ghanaian cardinal said the "first task" of the Church in Africa was "the rehabilitation of the African family in its dignity and its vocation, for it is threatened by dangerous ideologies (gender ideology."
What is more commonly known as gender theory explores how society designates fixed roles to people based on their gender. Many gay groups say the theory promotes tolerance and understanding towards homosexuality.
The bishops "vigorously denounced the ideology and international programmes which are imposed on African countries under false pretexts of as conditions for development assistance," Turkson said, adding: "They are harmful for the family."
Several participants lamented that UN agencies and humanitarian groups condone abortion and contraception.
The synod, which opened on October 5 and runs until October 25, also heard the "cry of women (over) grave injustices" such as female excision and assaults on their dignity such as pornography, prostitution, rape and humiliation, Turkson said.
"Women need to be recognised in society as well as in the Church as active members engaged in the life of the Church," he said.
Turning to the rise of evangelical faiths in Africa, Turkson said they had great appeal "because of (people's) desire for quick solutions to their physical and psychological problems."
The bishops judged that "a balanced spirituality can help Christians to resist the pressures of the sects," he said.
The synod also reviewed the main woes besetting the African continent, from armed conflicts to corruption to HIV/AIDS and the exploitation of natural resources by multi-national corporations, Turkson said.
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SIC: AFP