The next World Congress of Families will be held May 2016, in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Cheers filled the Grand America Hotel Ballroom as the announcement was made by Stan Swim, chairman of the World Congress of Families IX, at closing ceremonies.
Swim urged attendees to review the sessions online and spread the word of what they’ve heard on social media networks.
“Stay engaged and keep the conversation going. Our work together has just begun,” Swim said. The group has convened nine times in the past 18 years at different cities in various parts of the world, but never
The World Congress of Families has consistent foundational principles regardless of time and place that center on life, traditional marriage and family. The Congress recognizes the sacred nature of life from natural birth to natural death. These principles were presented in a declaration unique to this year’s Congress.
Alan Carlson former International Secretary for World Congress of Families presented the declaration to the congress. The declaration highlighted the stance of World Congress of Families.
“The family is the natural and fundamental unit of society and is entitled to protection,” Carlson said.
Two points emphasized by the World Congress of Families is the value of every human life from conception to natural death and the belief that the natural family is sacred and fundamental for healthy and sustainable civilizations.
Carlson went on to define the family as a union between a man and a woman in a lifelong covenant of marriage with a responsibility to raise children that cherish the ethical and moral value of families.
Carlson urged congress to keep traditional families as their highest priority.
“The family is the only hope of prosperity, peace and progress. To these ideals we pledge our voices, hearts and hands,” Carlson said.
The declaration was received by congress with an acclamation of agreement.
Everett Piper, president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University delivered the keynote address of the closing ceremony and urged all to keep a firm voice on promoting principles that honor families and freedom.
“Silence is not golden,” said Piper.
Swim concluded the ceremonies with a call to action.
“Get involved, speak up, and be the backbone of strong families,” Swim said.
