The Philippines is the world’s only country without a divorce law – excluding the Vatican – since Malta legalised the dissolution of marriage in 2011.
The House of Representatives of the Philippines in May approved House Bill 9349, which would legalise absolute divorce in the predominantly Catholic Asian country.
This week, Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones of Cebu said the fact the Philippines still outlaws divorce is a distinction of pride.
“Instead of being insecure and ashamed, we should raise our heads as Christians, with respect to other religions that have their own beliefs, that in the Philippines, we can be the last bastion of hope,” he said.
“And when we do that, perhaps we can become the beacon of hope for the rest of the world. Isn’t that a beautiful reason to go on and give love more chances?” Billones added.<br><br><strong>RELATED: <a href="https://catholicherald.co.uk/happily-ever-after-secular-modernitys-irrational-discomfort-with-boy-meets-girl/?swcfpc=1"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">Happily ever after? Secular modernity’s irrational discomfort with boy meets girl</mark></a></strong>
The archdiocese also announced it is consolidating the results of its signature drive against divorce conducted in all its parishes, saying it has so far gathered over 122,000 signatures.
As of 20 July, the campaign has gathered 122,000 signatures. These will be submitted to the Senate along with a position paper opposing divorce.
“I invite the people to take marriage seriously because this is the only way to strengthen the family and the society,” said Monsignor Raul Go, the archdiocese’s judicial vicar.
Catholics in one Philippine city are holding a prayer rally to oppose the legalisation of divorce in the country. The Archdiocese of Cebu announced that it is organising the event on July 27.
“Deep in our hearts is the sincerity of our intentions," said Archbishop Jose Palma. "It’s a thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of family, the gift of the sacrament, and the gift of the many who have become witnesses to the marriage that has contributed to the welfare of many families."
“To us, that’s not hypocrisy at all. To us, it’s the sincerity of our hearts saying ‘thank you’ to many couples, who, despite many difficulties, believe in God’s grace that ‘we can go on,’” he said.
The prayer rally will start with a procession from Fuente Osmeña Circle to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, where a Mass will be presided over by the archbishop.
Bishop Alberto Uy of Tagbilaran, in the central Philippines, speaking during an interview with Catholic-run Radio Veritas on 16 May, urged 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.”
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 told Radio Veritas.<br><br>Across most of the Western world, the legal loosening of no-fault divorce laws was followed swiftly by its social normalisation.
This has seen a significant reduction in marriage rates since, especially among younger generations, which is being partly blamed for what is now being described as a worsening epidemic of loneliness. <br><br><strong>RELATED: <a href="https://catholicherald.co.uk/bishop-davies-laments-uks-cataclysmic-flight-from-marriage/"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">Bishop Davies laments UK’s ‘cataclysmic’ flight from marriage</mark></a></strong><br><br><strong>RELATED: <a href="https://catholicherald.co.uk/bishop-calls-on-voters-and-politicians-to-recognise-role-of-marriage-in-securing-the-good-and-future-of-society/?swcfpc=1"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">Marriage and its ‘bed-rock’ societal role must be recognised during UK general election</mark></a></strong>
<em>Photo: Filipino couples queue for a photoshoot during a mass wedding to celebrate Valentine's Day at Paco Park in Manila, Philippines, 14 February 2023. 175 couples tied the knot during a mass wedding officiated by the Manila government as part of the city's Valentine's Day celebrations. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images.)</em>
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