An analysis by Voice of the Family critiqued the Instrumentum Laboris for omissions and ambiguity in wording.

The document "threatens the entire structure of Catholic teaching on marriage, the family and human sexuality", the coalition warned.

A LifeSiteNews article stated that a tactic similar to one enacted at Vatican II is being used.

In order to get wide agreement, vague, ambiguous and even apparently conflicting language is used to appease all sides.

These expressions were later referred to as "time bombs" which some theologians were able to exploit following the council for the purpose of undermining the Church's traditional teachings, the article stated.

One example cited by the coalition is the Instrumentum Laboris's reference to Paul VI's Humanae Vitae without any use of the word "contraception" or any direct reference to any contraceptive method.

The synod document states that the "two principal points" of Humanae Vitae are first about the role of conscience and second "an objective moral norm" without ever defining that moral norm, Voice of the Family objected.

The Instrumentum Laboris is also faulted for stating that "the family, while maintaining its privileged spot in education, cannot be the only place for teaching sexuality. [par 86]"

The Voice of the Family analysis cited the teaching of St Pope John Paul II in Familiaris Consortio, where the pope leaves open the possibility that sex education can be done solely in the home.

He wrote: "Sex education, which is a basic right and duty of parents, must always be carried out under their attentive guidance, whether at home or in educational centres chosen and controlled by them."

Voice of the Family co-founder John Smeaton called on Catholics to oppose "the direction being taken at the synod".

Sources

• LifeSiteNews
• Image: UCANews.com

Voice of the Family is an initiative of Catholic laity from major pro-life/pro-family organisations around the world.

Family Life International (NZ) is a member of the coalition.

Voice of the Family's concern relates to Dew's interventions at two recent Synods.

At the October 2005 Synod on The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission on the Church Dew argued for the admission of the divorced and remarried to Holy Communion. He said:

"Our Church would be enriched if we were able to invite dedicated Catholics, currently excluded from the Eucharist, to return to the Lord's table. There are those whose first marriages ended in sadness; they have never abandoned the Church, but are currently excluded from the Eucharist."

During the Extraordinary Synod of the Family in October 2014 Dew wrote about the content of his intervention in the synod hall. He said:

"I gave my own Intervention today and it seemed to be well received by most."

"I basically said that we have to change the language which is used in various Church documents so that people do not see and hear the Church judging or condemning, passing out rules and laws, but rather showing concern and compassion and reaching out to help people discover God in their lives."

Source

• Voice of the Family
• Image: pictures.zimbio.com