(The Catholic Herald)
As the Philippines moved closer to legalising divorce , a leading Catholic bishop has warned politicians that “divorce weakens the fabric of society.”
The House of Representatives of the Philippines this week approved House Bill 9349, which would legalise absolute divorce in the predominantly Catholic Asian country.
The Philippines is the world’s only country without a divorce law – excluding the Vatican – since Malta legalised the practice in 2011.
“I urge members of Congress to reconsider the proposed divorce bill and instead focus on promoting policies and programs that support marriage, strengthen families, and protect the well-being of all members of society,” said Bishop Alberto Uy of Tagbilaran in the central Philippines of the central Philippines, in an interview Catholic-run Radio Veritas on May 16.
The bishop said a “society that values strong, stable families is a thriving society”.
“Divorce weakens the fabric of society by eroding the foundation of the family unit. It leads to social fragmentation, increased poverty, and a host of other societal ills. By promoting divorce, we are contributing to the breakdown of social cohesion and the erosion of moral values,” Uy said.
Father Jerome Secilliano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Permanent Committee on Public Affairs, said there is no need for divorce in the country.