FAFCE Board Resolution

Vác (Hungary), 6 May 2022

Families and family associations are builders of peace

Echoing the FAFCE event on the 13th of May 2021 on “The Family: Antidote to Loneliness, Beyond the Pandemic”, stressing the importance of the family as a force for cohesion, unity, and peace;

Recalling FAFCE 2021 Board Resolution on “The Family is the Democratic and Demographic Future of Europe”, stating that “intergenerational solidarity and solidarity between families are the first examples from which political stakeholders can learn”;

Recalling FAFCE Press Release “Call for peace in Ukraine”, expressing FAFCE’s “full solidarity with all the families” touched by the war;

Recalling FAFCE Press Release “FAFCE united to the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary”, recalling that prayer is the first tool for peace, “entrusting ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, uniting ourselves to the Solemn Act of Consecration of Humanity, and particularly of Russia and Ukraine”;

FAFCE recalls that the family has always been the place where freedom, democracy and solidarity were preserved in times of war and totalitarianism. Mothers and fathers, beyond their nationalities, do not want war. The family is the school of peace.

Therefore:

  1. Together with Pope Francis, FAFCE raises its voice against the “unacceptable armed aggression” ongoing in Ukraine and also against “the barbarism of killing children”, calling for peace “for war-torn Ukraine, so sorely tried by the violence and destruction of the cruel and senseless war into which it was dragged”;
  2. Underlines the sufferings of many families in the current aggression affecting Ukraine and expresses its deepest solidarity to all families in Ukraine, who are the most affected by this war and by all of its terrible consequences;
  3. Recalls the role of families as a place where persons learn to live in a community through cooperation, solidarity, forgiveness, intergenerational links, mutual love and respect;
  4. Stresses that family values, faith and religion must never be used as tools of death and that Christian communities should unite to strongly condemn war and the ongoing armed aggression in Ukraine;
  5. Reiterates its call to support NGOs and local churches helping families on the ground, including through the FAFCE call for donation that has been dedicated to Ukraine;
  6. Expresses its concern on the importance of supporting not only women and children fleeing the war, but also those families who stayed in the country, providing them all of the necessary assistance and protection. At the same time, the best conditions for a return, as soon as possible, of those who were forced to leave should be prepared for with hope and courage.
  7. Recalls the courageous work of FAFCE member organisations and partners, dedicated to support and protect families both staying in Ukraine and fleeing the war in neighbouring countries and beyond;
  8. Calls on all decision-makers to courageously ensure, by available means, protection for families and a sustainable peace in Ukraine as soon as possible. This is so that parents can uphold their responsibility in raising children in freedom and in hope;
  9. Encourages decision-makers to utilise and support the fieldwork provided by family associations and families in their everyday contribution to peaceful communities.

FAFCE recalls that to work for the family is to work for peace and reiterates its commitment to be a tool of peace.

FAFCE is present in 19 European Countries, including Ukraine.