Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 370 - Part III.

YOUCAT Question n. 370 – Part III. Why should the State protect and promote families?

(Youcat answer - repeated) The welfare and future of a State depend on the ability of the smallest unit within it, the family, to live and develop.    

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2212) The fourth commandment illuminates other relationships in society. In our brothers and sisters we see the children of our parents; in our cousins, the descendants of our ancestors; in our fellow citizens, the children of our country; in the baptized, the children of our mother the Church; in every human person, a son or daughter of the One who wants to be called "our Father." In this way our relationships with our neighbors are recognized as personal in character. The neighbor is not a "unit" in the human collective; he is "someone" who by his known origins deserves particular attention and respect.      

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) No State has the right to intrude on the basic cell of society, the family, by its regulations or to question its right to exist. No State has the right to define the family differently, for the family’s commission comes from the Creator. No State has the right to deprive the family of its fundamental functions, especially in the area of education. On the contrary, every State has the duty to support families with its assistance and to ensure that its material needs are met.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2213) Human communities are made up of persons. Governing them well is not limited to guaranteeing rights and fulfilling duties such as honoring contracts. Right relations between employers and employees, between those who govern and citizens, presuppose a natural good will in keeping with the dignity of human persons concerned for justice and fraternity.

(The next question is: How does a child respect his parents?)