Catholic bishops begin debate over Civil Code reform

The Catholic Church opened the year's first Plenary meeting in Pilar, where the country's bishops began the debate over the Government-sponsored Civil Code reform.

Over a hundred bishops met in the first assembly headed by the new leader of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, José María Arancedo, and they are expected to draft and release on Saturday a document criticizing the President’s bill that looks to reform the Civil Code. 

The meeting began at the house of Spiritual Exercises “Cenáculo” and will continue until next Saturday.

La Plata's archbishop Héctor Aguer, member of the conservative wing of the Church, warned that if the reform is approved there will be "severe consequences" and "amendments against the family's constituion and the dignified human life."

He added that there are also "deplorable things, as the elimination of the fidelity in marriage, which is an essential element."

During Tuesday, they will iniciate the formal deliberations, where the bishops will present "proposals over the new Civil Code," besides other "issues linked to the protection of life."

The minutes of the meeting include an “exchange of opinions” between bishops and “suggestions regarding the new Civil Code,” as well as other matters “related to the protection of life.”