Melinda Gates says her Catholicism does not temper her support for contraceptives
March 21, 2014
Melinda Gates has explained that she and her husband Bill Gates committed their foundation to support for condom distribution because “210 million women were saying they wanted access to contraceptives.”
Gates said that because of political controversy in the US, aid programs were not providing an adequate supply of contraceptives to African countries, so the Gates Foundation made it a priority. “And even though I am Catholic I believe in contraceptives, just like the majority of Catholic women in the United States,” she told the Vancouver Sun.
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Posted by: koinonia -
Mar. 24, 2014 7:25 AM ET USA
There is something to be said for flat out, unfiltered truthfulness. Unfortunately one does not detect a request for forgiveness or firm purpose of amendment...quite the contrary. Her comments reflect the confidence of a new Catholic- one of millions- who cavalierly express a confidence that theirs will one day be the that of the Church. They are pioneers; they are cutting edge in their own minds. There is much talk of mercy, but there is little evidence of contrition among these Catholics.
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
Mar. 22, 2014 4:53 PM ET USA
Yes,the majority of Catholic women in the U.S.do believe in the use of contraceptives. Look around in Church,rarely does one see a family of more than 2 or 3 children. Unless one has "walked a mile" in their shoes,I wouldn't be so quick to rain down hell fire on them.
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Posted by: Leopardi -
Mar. 22, 2014 10:20 AM ET USA
I'm reminded of a "camel trying to pass through the 'eye' of the needle".
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Posted by: AnthonyP -
Mar. 22, 2014 9:00 AM ET USA
The problem is more than just ignorance of the Faith. The programs that have done the most to stem the spread of HIV are those that promote abstinence and single partner (married) relationships. Period. Many who wish to do well have been dumbed down by the 'condom' approach to prevention. It does nothing more than to promote promiscuity and puts the 'stamp of approval' on that behavior. It is a shame that those otherwise well meaning people have been drawn into the falsehood of this culture.
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Posted by: Chestertonian -
Mar. 22, 2014 12:15 AM ET USA
Rich, lacking in humility, and ignorant of the Faith: the ultimate triple threat to the lives and health of women everywhere. And where is a priest or bishop with the courage to confront her ignorance, and the ignorance of "the majority of Catholic women in the United States,”? This is a teachable moment, but it needs a Bishop Sheen to step up to the podium. Faithful Catholics wait in prayerful hope. How long, oh Lord?
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Posted by: Defender -
Mar. 21, 2014 8:45 PM ET USA
Who is her bishop? If this isn't a slap in the face of the Church, then I don't know what is! Just like many pseudo-Catholic politicians, I hope her bishop refuses to give her Holy Communion, but fear they will not.
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Mar. 21, 2014 6:20 PM ET USA
Well, the lady certainly gives us a clear lesson about the strength of her Catholicism and the importance she attaches to the Church's teachings.
