Page 85 - thesis_biby_tharayil

75

conditions under which a pregnancy can be ended or aborted, the persons
who are qualified to conduct the abortion, and the place of
86
implementation.
It is evident that the Church has always defended the life of children
from the moment of their conception. “The tradition of the Church has
always held that human life must be protected and favoured from the
87
beginning, just as at the various stages of its development”. In the light of
the teachings of the Church the modern families in India, especially
Knānāya families with their profound traditions that proclaims the greatness
of life as gift from God, should continue to consider as imperative that
parents protect the life of their children from the moment of conception. The
natural law that governs the conscience of parents and the special traditions
that confirm it, remind them of this duty.

The family needs to take a stand and combat the impact of a modern
88
small-size family in which contraception is playing an increasing part. In
general Knānāya families, whose customs emphasise the idea that children
are blessings of God, do protect the lives of their children. The fact that a
vast majority of the younger generation of this community choose the Para-
89
medical courses like nursing, midwifery and other service sectors is a sign
of the consciousness of this community of the greatness of life and service.

The Christian family fulfils its mission to serve life not only through
procreation but also by helping the orphans and the disabled. In modern
times where the elderly are often considered a burden, the Knānite families’
special respect and care for elderly people gives a testimony to society. By
helping the weak to sustain their life, the Knānite family becomes a
90
Sanctuary of Life.

86
Cf. MEDINDIA NETWORK FOR HEALTH, Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act
1971. Accessed 5 April, 2014. <http://www.medindia.net/Indian_Health_Act/the-medical-
termination-of-pregnancy-act-1971-introduction.htm>
87 SACRA CONGREGATIO PRO DOCTRINA FIDEI, Declaratio De abortu procurato, no.
6, 14 November, 1974, in AAS 66, 1974, pp. 730-747. English Translation, Libreria Editrice
Vaticana.
88
Cf. DOMINIAN, J., Christian Marriage, Christian Herald Press, Chicago, 1968, p.122.
89 Cf. LINEAMENTA OF EPARCHIAL ASSEMBLY OF THE DIOCESE OF KOTTAYAM
SEPTEMBER 11-15, 2000, Christian Witness of Knānāya Community (Malayalam),
Kottayam, 10 March, 2000, p.39.
90
Cf. Ibid., p.71.

www.knanayology.org