Call for Synod on Human Sexuality.
The publication of Pope Paul V1’s encyclical, Humanae Vitae, on 25th July 1968
caused dissent and division within the Catholic Church not seen since the Reformation
and fifty years later its legacy remains as controversial as ever, stated We Are Church
Ireland.
In spite of Catholic couples having already decided on the legitimacy of their dissent
against the hierarchical Church’s teaching on birth control Popes, Cardinals and
Bishops still strenuously support the teaching of Humanae Vitae opposing artificial
contraception.
This conflict between the sensus fidelium of the people of God and the teaching
magisterium still remains unresolved with the institutional Church remaining implacably
opposed to recognising the right of conscientious dissent against fallible hierarchical
teaching.
This unresolved situation has greatly added to the growing lack of credibility of the
teaching authority of the magisterium, both inside and outside the Catholic Church
While the ban against artificial birth control may be irrelevant to Catholic couples in
Western Europe and North America who have rejected it in both theory and practice
however in Asia, Latin America and Africa the Catholic hierarchical Church uses its
diplomatic and political influence to oppose responsible family planning and the use of
condoms even in life and death situations which adversely affects the lives of the most
vulnerable families in these regions.
“After 50 years it is imperative that this controversial issue be revisited and reevaluated
by a Synod representative of the total people of God so that a credible positive
theology of sexuality based on the dignity of every human person will be its
outcome.” stated Brendan Butler.
Brendan Butler, We are Church spokesperson.