Latvia's demographic data highlights issues and necessitates changes, according to Archbishop Stankevics
In a sermon during the vigil mass on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Aglona, Archbishop Zbignevs Stankevics, the leader of Latvia's Roman Catholics, expressed concern about the current insecure situation and demographic crisis in Latvia. He believes these issues are indications of erroneous policies.
The archbishop did not specify any particular policies he believes are erroneous in this context. However, he emphasized the crucial role of the family in confronting Latvia's insecurity and demographic crisis. According to him, families serve as the foundation for social stability and population renewal.
To address this, the archbishop advocates for policies that increase financial and social support to families to encourage higher birth rates and foster stability. He also suggests promoting family-oriented social services and protections, and encouraging societal recognition of family as a core solution to demographic decline.
These views align with current policy developments aimed at empowering family units. For example, the Ministry of Health is planning to increase financial support and services for foster families and guardians starting next year, recognising the family unit's importance in social welfare and demographic challenges.
The archbishop linked the issue of youth suicides to the lack of support and attention given to young people, particularly in families, schools, and workplaces. He believes the education system should instill in young people the significance of family and the importance of supporting one another.
The archbishop also underlined the role of the state in ensuring every individual's opportunity to develop and flourish physically, mentally, and spiritually, including through support for family-related programs and initiatives.
Archbishop Stankevics emphasized the importance of a simple family structure, consisting of a father, a mother, and children, in his interpretation. He expressed concern about the growing crisis of the family model due to cultural, social, and political factors.
Despite not mentioning the rising cost of living or inflation in this paragraph, people in Latvia are complaining about these issues and pointing to the need for more support for public health. According to Eurobarometer's spring survey, the most important issues Latvian citizens think the EU should address are the Russian invasion of Ukraine and security, followed by immigration and the rising cost of living.
The archbishop reiterated his belief that Latvia's future depends on strengthening the family. He invoked the words of Jesus, saying that man must return to the truth about man and God in order to find freedom.
In summary, Archbishop Zbignevs Stankevics views family as essential in addressing Latvia’s insecurity and demographic crisis and calls for state support through increased financial aid and enhanced family services, resonating with current policy developments aimed at empowering family units.
The archbishop emphasized the significance of mental health and parenting in reducing youth suicides, suggesting the education system should foster awareness of family values and mutual support. He also advocates for the government to provide support for health-and-wellness programs and family-related initiatives, ensuring each individual's physical, mental, and spiritual development.
In his interpretation, the archbishop underlined the importance of a traditional family structure, expressing concern about the eroding family model due to cultural, social, and political factors. He believes that educational institutions bear responsibility for instilling values that promote family unity and support.
In addition, he highlighted the need for increased financial and social support for families to foster stability, encourage higher birth rates, and address Latvia's ongoing demographic decline. This view parallels efforts by the Ministry of Health to boost funding for family-oriented social services and protections.
