A priest who (gasp!) talks about contraception

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Feb 20, 2012

The New York Times profiled my friend Father Roger Landry, and the headline tells the essential story: "The Message on Contraception, Without Apology." Since Father Landry is a very effective preacher and apologist, you can be sure that he delivered the message forcefully. But his arguments aren't the focus of this story, really; the Times devotes only a few lines to his case against contraception. The main focus of the profile is on the simple fact that he does make the case--that the Times has found a Catholic priest who isn't abashed about speaking in public against the use of artificial contraceptives. 

This should be a dog-bites-man story. A priest is preaching what the Catholic Church teaches. Why is this news?

Because, unfortunately, it is a phenomenon that few people encounter. 

What we learn from the Times story is not that the Church condemns contraception--we knew that already--nor the logic behind that condemnation--the Times doesn't go that far--but simply that an energetic young priest is making the case and winning some converts. Which means, obviously, that the case can be made and converts can be won. The Church has a 'product' that will sell, if salesmen are ready to make the effort.

Perhaps more importantly, the Times profile shows that a priest who tackles tough issues commands respect.