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Editorial
Part of the challenge - and hopefully the strength - of the Family Network newsletters is the combining of views from different cultures. In this issue on Fathers and Families, there is a marked difference between the patriarchal societies where the position of the man as head of the family is "non negotiable", and many Western societies. In this newsletter we have interspersed information from the different countries to help draw out the contrasts. Articles from Africa and India cite Biblical texts to underline the male head-ship of the family. They go on to reveal both the strengths and the weaknesses of such head-ship: when abused it can make the lives of women and children inescapably miserable. In the West, such views of male predominance are questioned in many Christian families, and other Biblical texts cited to stress the importance of partnership in marriage and the more equal role of women.
Throughout the Anglican Communion there is evidence of the dislocation of rapid change, often in part brought about by economic forces which undermine the role of men for example as "breadwinner" of the family. As Bishop Richard Holloway, President of the Family Network, pointed out when speaking at a conference entitled Father Matters in Scotland, it is hard to be a father in a society that seems to have discarded the primacy of the male role. "Fathering is in crisis among the poor today, because the roles which largely gave working men their pride have been removed and maleness itself now seems to be socially problematic."
Many of the articles in the newsletter tell of the difficulties of fathers, particularly the young men who have had little education or job opportunities. At the same time, research from many countries is showing how important fathers are in the upbringing and nurture of children. In Africa, India, UK, Australia and USA there are efforts being made to strengthen the position of fathers by support groups, help in finding employment which will make it possible for them to provide - or help provide - for their families. Poverty is again a key component of the difficulties - many young dads are not "deadbeat" but "dead-broke". Irresponsibility is also a problem and many articles call for more education and a deeper understanding of Christian teaching about parenthood. This newsletter underlines - across all cultures - the importance of fathers being responsible parents. A study by the Centre for Theology and Public Issues at Edinburgh University reported on the theme of What Do Children Need from their Fathers? Many, both parents and children, responded to this question with the reply that fathers needed to "be there". As the article from Canada points out, "being there" can mean different things, but it certainly implies support and concern. The research also made clear the importance of the relationship between the parents. Support services are needed for both. There are many reasons why parenting is best as a shared partnership. The most important reasons are the children.
"The effect is so overwhelming you do feel it is magic. Fathers only have to do a little to get so much in return. What do we have to do to free up fathers to do that little thing which turns their sons' lives round?" Adrienne Katz, speaking at Father Matters Conference, Scotland, November 1999.
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