s2 maria hildingsson - fafce, family policies - 30 june 2014

« Family Values and their link to Economic

Well-Being and Social Outcomes.»

Family Breakdown and the Weakening of Marriage and Family

through current Family Policies

Maria HildingssonSecretary General of

the European Federation ofCatholic Family Associations

(FAFCE)

Geneva 30 June, 2014

Family and Marriage in Europe, where do we stand?

Family Breakdown and the Weakening of Marriage and Family through current Family PoliciesMaria Hildingsson, FAFCE, Geneva, 30 June 2014

”Ageing is the main demographic challenge, but far from the only one. The crisis has strongly affected young people in both phases. This has led to very high unemployment among the young, the lack of stable income and therefore the difficulty for young people to establish a home. In these circumstances couples also delay having children.”- Speech by EU Commissioner Andor at the 4th European Demography forum may 2013



• Family breakdown, divorces and separations…• Ageing population, low birth rates, a « lacking

child »• Poverty and social exclusion• Individualism• Mental suffering • Why? • What could Europe change? • After all, what is really at stake in Europe?

Incarnated politics, politics in favour of the family for the 21st century


Incarnated politics, politics in favour of the family for the 21st century


“Families have the right to be able to rely on an adequate family policy on the part of public authorities in the juridical, economic, social and fiscal domains, without any discrimination whatsoever.”- Article 9 of the Charter of the Rights of the Family

“Families have a right to a social and economic order in which the organisation of work permits the members to live together, and does not hinder the unity, well-being, health and the stability of the family, while offering also the possibility of wholesome recreation.”- Article 10 of the Charter of the Rights of the Family

Give testimony to the family, founded on marriage, as the way

to integral development of society


Give testimony to the family, founded on marriage, as the way to integral development of society


The family, founded on the marriage between a man and a woman, is entitled to be acknolewdged as the most protective form of common life, just as well for the spouses as for their children. Supportive measures, including the prevention of separations through a preparation for the life as two by a true relational, emotional and sexual education, marriage preparation, support for couples are actions that are complementary to family policy. All these measures contribute towards a stable society, founded on the family that can fully accomplish its responsibilities as it is supported in its mission.



A recent youth survey among 16-29 years old in 11 countries presents the following features :

In order to have a future we need a common goal. And today that goal is not to be seen anywhere.

A majority (62%) states that society has become too individualistic, and that it is politics that is to blame: today’s politics are seen as shortsighted, paying too little attention to critical long-term issues.

Their dreams and aspirations are focused on another arena – the personal one. The small, close collective: the family. And when it comes to family young people are anything but short-sighted.

They want relations that are so strong they will hold a lifetime.

According to them, the achievements that are most worthy of respect are not making lots of money or saving the world, but being a good parent and keeping a family together for years.



FAMILY-LIFE MOST WORTHY OF RESPECT

Young peoples’ dreams of the future focus on the success of the small life: getting a good job and being able to afford nice accommodation. But that’s not enough it seems. The home must be filled with something meaningful too, something which may be more difficult to achieve: namely, a family.

Having children, getting married and finding the ‘right one’ are also popular dreams among the global youth.

Many of today’s young experienced divorces when they grew up, or at least had friends growing up in divided families. And, perhaps as a consequence, the ones who are most worthy of respect, according to the young, are those who have succeeded in family life.

‘Being a good parent’ and ‘keeping a family together for many years’ top the respect list. These are far more worthy than having a successful career in business or becoming a successful athlete or artist. Families deserve respect, so say the global youth..“

(Source: Kairos Future, Global Youth, 2013)

Support parents in their mission as the first and primary educators of their children


Supporting, not replacing, parents in their mission as the first and primary educators of their children


“Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.”- Article 26.3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

“Since they have conferred life on their children, parents have the original, primary and inalienable right to educate them; hence they must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children.”- Article 5 of the Charter of the Rights of the Family

First was the family… The family is anterior to the State!

The world is entrusted to each one of us. We are all called to contribute to the common good. The first place where we learn the fundamental interpersonal skills is within the family, unless accidents prevent family life.

The family hence contributes to teaching us all the language, or the grammar of peace. Loving, sharing, paying respect to others, forgiving, caring for others, helping… the list is long, but essential!

The family is anterior to any other form of organised social forms.

The family is the basic unit of society, the building block which allows Society to thrive.

The state of the family influences the state of society as a whole.

The family has a central and essential role in society. It is the cradle of life, the teacher of peace.


The family, a subject of rights, not an object to administer“The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.”- Article 16.3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

European Social Charter, Article 16 – The right of the family to social, legal and economic protection “With a view to ensuring the necessary conditions for the full development of the family, which is a fundamental unit of society, the Parties undertake to promote the economic, legal and social protection of family life by such means as social and family benefits, fiscal arrangements, provision of family housing, benefits for the newly married and other appropriate means.”

Families should take their role in society seriously, they are a living testimony and have responsibilities as a social and political subject!


Family awareness at all levels, a concrete example:Manifesto for Family Friendly Policies

for the EU Elections 2014


Thank you!


To know more about FAFCE,the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe:

[email protected]

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FafceEurope Twitter: @FAFCEInfo

http://www.fafce.org/

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s2 maria hildingsson - fafce, family policies - 30 june 2014

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