Ethical themes, sowing first ” “

Starting anew, with renewed thrust, with courage. For a renewed understanding of the present times and of widespread mentality; for an honest dialogue with differing positions; for an ever new and profound educational commitment. The EP vote on the Report on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of December 10, rejected by a scarce majority, must not trigger triumphalism and rather serve as a warning to Christians – and to all those who firmly believe in the value of life, of the family, of responsibility and freedom – to step up their commitment.The “Estrela Report” aimed at presenting abortion as a fundamental right, it attacked the very principle of conscientious objection. It gave an overall misrepresentation of otherwise delicate and unquestionable rights to accessing heath (that must include special attention to the health of women and maternity). It equally aimed at imposing a model of sexual education in schools – which in itself could be a useful tool, already adopted in several Countries, conceived in full respect of the pre-eminent role of family education – distant from the respect of the young generations, of parents, of the cultural peculiarities that characterize EU member countries.Indeed, the Report was returned to the sender after a game of political balances and unbalances played within the European Parliament. The Report was finally rejected after dozens of votes in the European Parliament that proceeded in the same direction of the Estrela Report, namely, distant from pro-life sentiments. The Assembly in Strasbourg this time said ‘no’ because it was exasperated by relentless attempts by several MEPs to adopt similar stances at every occasion, as happened just recently and even during the plenary of December 9-12.The composition of the present Parliament – and in all likelihood even of the next one – elected with universal suffrage, reflects that of European voters, and it thus discourages from relying on the Assembly vote alone to prevent similar ‘slips’ on ethically sensitive issues in the future. Indeed, the alternative resolution approved December 10 fails to identify strong footholds in this field, as it merely highlights the principle of subsidiarity according to which the EU doesn’t have the competence to legislate on life-related issues, the family and education, acknowledging that it’s the competence of Member States to adopt regulations on these areas of human life at national level, as has been the case until now.For all of these reasons it is necessary to raise the level of awareness, presence, responsibility and participation of Christians in Europe today. The obstacles thwarting the affirmation of those very principles drawn from the moral and social teaching of the Church, long before being sought in political institutions, are to be found in the thinking and behaviours of the overall population, which include those people who identify themselves as Christian faithful. It is no coincidence that Msgr. Jean Laffitte, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family, present in Strasbourg the same day of the vote on the above-mentioned Report, told SIR: “There are positive battles that should be fought to promote life and the family in Europe and Christians must be involved: they should not remain silent. In order to do so it is necessary to follow an anthropological, ethical and legal path”, so that answers and expectations of the present era may “live up to the present situation”. This is what citizens and European peoples need, long before the Europe of institutions. There is the need for a belief that is strong, secular and modern, based on an identity whose roots are found in human experience, accompanied by a dialogical openness. It is necessary to promote human closeness on an every-day basis, bearing witness to the beauty of human life in all of its aspects (love, sexuality, procreation, education, solidarity…), like Pope Francis invites us to do.In order to reap the fruits it’s necessary to sow the seeds, relentlessly and wholeheartedly. Consciences must be convinced and not won over – as some have tried to do at the European Parliament. The expected results, also in politics, will thence be seen.