Montreal cardinal challenges Church teaching on abortion, condoms
CWN - April 15, 2009
Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte of Montreal signaled a willingness to accept abortion in extreme cases, and argued that condom use could be "a duty" at times-- contradicting Church teaching on both issues -- in a stunning interview with the Canadian daily Le Devoir.
Speaking about a controversial case in Brazil, in which a 9-year-old girl aborted twins, Cardinal Turcotte said that Brazilian Church leaders had been "clumsy" in their public comments, and argued that a more pastoral approach was necessary. "Personally I am against abortion," he said, "but I can understand that in some cases, one almost has no other choice."
Responding to another recent controversy, the Canadian cardinal said that in his highly publicized remarks on condoms and AIDS, Pope Benedict XVI had not intended to say that condom use was always wrong. What the Pontiff really meant, the cardinal claimed, is that "condoms are not by themselves the perfect solution."
Cardinal Turcotte went on to say that in fact, condom use is morally obligatory for someone infected with AIDS. "When someone has AIDS," he said, "it is his duty to protect the people with whom he has relations."
Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.
|
An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus: Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you! |
Easter Campaign: Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($34,555 to go):
$80,000.00
$45,444.82
43%
57%
|
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
