The family has the right to exist and to progress as a family. a) Public authorities must respect and foster the dignity, lawful independence, privacy, integrity and stability of every family. b) Divorce attacks the very institution of marriage and of the family. c) The extended family system, where it exists, should be held in esteem and helped to carry out better its traditional role of solidarity and mutual assistance, while at the same time respecting the rights of the nuclear family and the personal dignity of each member.