Cebu Archdiocese Takes a Stand Against Divorce Bill, Encourages Dialogues on Marriage Preservation


Amidst growing momentum in signature campaigns within Cebu's parishes, the Archdiocese of Cebu has made a resolute stance against the proposed absolute divorce bill currently undergoing deliberation in the Senate.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has articulated the archdiocese's principled opposition to the legalization of divorce, emphasizing that it is not a solution for fractured or irreparable marriages. Instead, Archbishop Palma advocated for the existing process of annulment as a more appropriate avenue for addressing marital difficulties.

Calling for unity among the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cebu, Archbishop Palma urged the community to collectively express their disapproval of divorce, citing concerns not only for the Catholic population but also for the broader national ethos and values of the Philippines.

With a congregation of 4.8 million Catholics spanning across the province of Cebu and three highly urbanized cities, Archbishop Palma cautioned against the potential detrimental impact of divorce, particularly on the well-being of children from separated families. He highlighted that divorce poses a risk to the sanctity and permanence of marriage, contradicting its inherent essence and obligations.

Reaffirming the adverse effects of divorce on familial dynamics, Archbishop Palma emphasized that children are among the most vulnerable and significantly impacted demographics in cases of marital dissolution.

The ongoing signature campaign in Cebu aims to culminate by the 15th of July, with the collected signatures slated for submission to the Senate to amplify the collective voice of dissent. Archbishop Palma's message, encapsulating the archdiocese's stance on divorce, has been prominently displayed on banners at the entrances of Roman Catholic churches throughout the province to raise awareness and foster informed discussions on this critical issue.

Notably, the Philippines stands as one of the few nations, alongside the Vatican City, that upholds the non-recognition of divorce as a legal recourse. While the House of Representatives has given its nod to the divorce bill, its fate hangs in the balance pending deliberations within the Senate.

Against the backdrop of evolving public sentiment, as reflected in a recent survey by Social Weather Stations where half of respondents expressed support for divorce legalization, and 31% voiced dissent, the conversation surrounding the sanctity of marriage and the implications of divorce remains a relevant and pressing topic for Filipino society.

The Archdiocese of Cebu's steadfast opposition to the divorce bill serves as a catalyst for open dialogues, introspection, and a collective reevaluation of values to nurture the institution of marriage and safeguard familial integrity within communities.


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