From the International Anglican Family Network

Stories gathered by the Anglican Communion’s International Anglican Family Network (IAFN) have highlighted how human dignity is being championed and advanced in families around the globe.

The stories, from a variety of contexts across the Anglican Communion, make up the Network’s latest newsletter and, according to IAFN’s chair, Bishop David Rossdale, together point to three foundations upon which ‘family’ is built and secured.

“These are the gifts of dignity, belonging and forgiveness,” he said, “each being essential to a healthy family in which all can flourish. The stories point to the need for these foundations to be championed by the Christian community as God-given characteristics of grace.

“They also illustrate how churches are reinforcing the family as the primary place for human growth and development and for the celebration of human dignity.”

The newsletter articles include the story of a South African student surprised and excited by a new understanding of positive masculinity and the contributions that fathers can make. Another describes projects in Madagascar seeking to empower women to help their families develop and flourish.

Articles from Australia and Scotland describe work to help children and youth establish respectful relationships. The Christian organisation Viva Uganda shows how overcoming difficulties in registering births contributes to a sense of belonging as well as formal identity.

“In order to thrive, families need to be safe and feel secure”, added Bishop Rossdale. Stories from Peru, Vanuatu and a Syrian refugee camp are offered as glimpses of the threat to families from poverty, war and global pressures.

“An article from Rwanda shows how a Mothers' Union parenting and child protection programme is supporting parents in giving children a safe environment where they can flourish. The Family and Safeguarding will be a key theme for the Family Network in the months ahead.”

The newsletter ‘Family: the Gift of Dignity’ can be downloaded as a PDF or read on line here

ENDS

For more information on IAFN contact Dr Sally Thompson at mail@iafn.net