NEWS: Catholic Church Shifts Policy on Condoms Update: Church Does An About Face

In what can only be described as a major departure from its birth control policy, the Catholic Church in Spain has given its support for condom usage for the prevention of AIDS. A spokesman for the Spanish Bishops Conference stated "Condoms have a place in the global prevention of AIDS". This represents a shift from the Vatican policy on the issue. The Spanish church also points out that this new policy is backed by scientific evidence supporting the use of condoms in disease prevention.

MADRID (AFP) - The Spanish Catholic Church's about-face on the use of condoms in the fight against AIDS was met with anger by left-wing politicians, commentators and gay rights groups who labeled the church's position as unreasonable and inhuman.

"The surprise and hope felt by many lasted only a few hours," the Catalan newspaper El Periodico said in an editorial. "What is truly immoral is the Church's rejection of a method that saves human lives."

About Face

It is unclear what the Vatican will have to say about this. What is amazing is that according to the article this same group as early as November was towing the Vatican line on the issue. Condoms represent one key in preventing the spread of AIDS, especially in countries like Africa. The Roman Catholic Church because of its 15th century stand on the issue, is partially to blame for the rampant spread of AIDS in those countries.


[edit on 20-1-2005 by ZeddicusZulZorander]

[edit on 1/20/05 by FredT]

I found this:

MADRID, Spain — The Catholic Church in Spain backtracked from a leading bishop's groundbreaking statement in support of condom use to fight the spread of AIDS (search), saying instead the church still believes artificial contraception is immoral.

*snip*

... on Wednesday night the conference issued a statement saying the bishop's comments "must be understood in the context of Catholic doctrine, which holds that use of condoms is immoral sexual conduct."

It said abstinence and fidelity among sexual partners are the best ways to combat the spread of AIDS and that scientists agree with this approach. "In accordance with these principles, it is not possible to recommend the use of condoms, as it is contrary to a person's morals," the statement said. Fox

The bishop's comments really had given me hope that the Church was finally recognizing that public health was more important than any perceived sin - should have known he would get slapped down quickly.

Really disappointing.
B.

Here is another. Ah well back to the dark ages eh?

MADRID (AFP) - The Spanish Catholic Church's about-face on the use of condoms in the fight against AIDS was met with anger by left-wing politicians, commentators and gay rights groups who labeled the church's position as unreasonable and inhuman.

"The surprise and hope felt by many lasted only a few hours," the Catalan newspaper El Periodico said in an editorial. "What is truly immoral is the Church's rejection of a method that saves human lives."

About Face