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Document Details : Title: Familles recomposées Subtitle: Une perspective de théologie pratique Author(s): DEMASURE, Karlijn Journal: Marriage, Families & Spirituality Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Date: 2007 Pages: 203-220 DOI: 10.2143/INT.13.2.2024089 Abstract : This article hopes to contribute to the pastoral guidance of stepfamilies. Today such families arise especially after a divorce. After the pain, family members often see the new situation with a great hope. The slow confrontation with reality’s complications ushers the family into a long series of tasks which must be accomplished. After analysing the complex reality of the stepfamily, a new ethical framework, legitimating pastoral guidance, is examined. The pastor will begin such guidance from an ethics of justice completed by an ethics of concern for the other and an ethics of growth. Starting from an attentive engagement, the values present in the family are supported and reinforced. In addition, the pastor helps to orient the family towards values central in the Christian tradition: constancy/tenacity, fidelity, commitment, solidarity, and the wish to procreate. The aspect of growth comes into being best when stepfamilies are part of a Christian community which can play a supporting role. During such guidance, the accent lies heavily on being a responsible parent and on the development of a solid couple’s relationship. |
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