“The local Church cannot be more popish than the Pope,” said Sec. Ramon Carandang, head of the Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office on our bishops’ stern stand on the use of condom, i.e. artificial contraception.
I respect the opinion of Sec. Carandang and his right of free expression but he should have the decency of a government official in not using a derogatory word ("popish") to stress a point. If he is a Catholic, practicing or not, he also insulted himself wittingly or unwittingly.
Carandang continues further, “I think our own clergy should be informed by the views of the Vatican because they’ve always referred to the Vatican when they stated their position”
Mr. Carandang is exactly correct! That’s the reason why the bishops diligently teach the immorality of artificial contraception taking their cue from the Vatican.
I am just wondering why at this time of confusion on the use of condom stirred by Benedict’s comments, our officials are choosy in pointing a finger at the Church sticking on condom. Why are they silent on the issues of graft and corruption (stealing at the expense of others), rampant and unabated violence (killing), immoral conduct of officials (concubinage/adultery), poor record of social justice and violation of human rights to name some --- all of which the Vatican teaches as against the tenets of Christian values?
“[N]ow that the Vatican’s position is such, then I think that should result in a corresponding flexibility on the part of our Church.’’
What flexibility is Mr. Carandang talking about? If he means the use of condom to thwart the spread of STDs, I agree. In fact that is the essence of the papal statement although at this point, it is illogical if not reckless to draw a conclusion based from a part of the pie. Let us read the entirety of the new book which is still to reach our bookstores and understand the context of the statement.
At this early, Vatican spokesperson Federico Lombardi is clear in saying that the Pope is not changing Church teaching on condom use. So, what are the cafeteria opinions all about?
Are Carandang and the government ready to accept that fact? Lombardi’s capacity makes his statement as the official stand of the Church.
Mr. Carandang should now be convinced that the position of the Church on artificial contraception remains unchanged. -30-
The head of Malacanang's Communication Department failed to understand what the Pope communicated, communicated a public slur to the Filipino Bishops and faithful Catholics, and insulted himself as well. How very unwittingly -- by the head of the Communications Department.
ReplyDeleteCommunications Fail.