Marriage and the family are in crisis. In October 2015,
a Synod of Bishops will meet in the Vatican to discuss this
important subject. In preparation for the event, eleven
Cardinals from around the world have written powerful
essays on some of the problems to be discussed: the challenge
of providing adequate marriage preparation in a secularized
world; the need for evangelization and conversion; the relationship
between charity and truth; the situation of divorced
and civilly remarried Catholics; and the demands of authentic
pastoral care.
The authors understand that doctrine and pastoral ministry
are not opposed to one another. They carefully steer a wise
and merciful course that engages genuine concerns, while
avoiding false compassion, which compromises both truth and
authentic love.
This book serves as both a concise introduction to the forthcoming
Synod and a helpful guide to applying Christ’s teaching
to the pastoral care of families. Long after the Synod, these
essays will remain valuable for anyone wanting to understand
and to proclaim the Gospel of the Family.