Pope says no to family planning and divorce

The Catholic Church’s campaign against the Reproductive Health (RH) and divorce bills got a big boost after Pope Benedict XVI rallied behind the efforts of Filipino bishops to defend the value of human life and sacredness of marriage.
“His Holiness prays that this time for reflection and renewed dedication in the service of the Gospel will bear abundant fruit for the Church and the society,” read the message of the Pontiff to Philippine bishops currently attending their 103rd Plenary Assembly in Paco, Manila.
“He encourages the bishops in their efforts in defense of the value of each human life, of the sacredness of marriage, and of the family,” it further read.
The Pontiff’s letter addressed to CBCP President Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar was signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
Odchimar had earlier said that the issue of the RH bill will be included in their bi-annual gathering.
“We will be discussing that because that is the present burning issue and we have to speak out on that,” he said in an interview with reporters.
“We are the last bastion standing against the RH bill, divorce, and now there is also the possibility of same-sex marriage and we won’t be surprised if after that would come euthanasia,” added Odchimar.
The Catholic Church has been opposing the RH bill convinced that it is anti-life and family due to its promotion of artificial contraceptives as a family planning method.
The Church is also against the introduction of divorce in the country for it destroys the marriage bond.