The influence of the Roman Catholic church is quickly waning throughout most of Europe. Already, for the most part, secular…the recent scandals of sexual abuse…let’s call it what it is – child rape – has further alienated the Vatican from the very ordinary lives of the common citizen.
The Church has for the past several generations gained influence in areas of the world where poverty is extreme. And now, for a senior Vatican clergy to soften the position on condoms is hopefully indicative of a fundamental policy change. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster sees the “attraction” of distributing condoms to help alleviate poverty and the rising population rates in third world countries.
Personally speaking, the Church and its policies are archaic. Granted, on the ground, those working for the Church have done some remarkable work. But these are individuals with deep personal convictions and a sense of humanity.
Catholic nuns have been distributing condoms in South Africa since 2005. They know, are on the ground, and see and understand a reality that the Church cannot get a grip on. People have sex and the reproductive rights of a woman belong to her.