Release Barabbas?

Majority of Manila residents support Reproductive Health bill

MANILA, Philippines - A recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that a majority or 86 percent of Manila residents support a law on reproductive health (RH).

...“We do hope that with this latest survey result, our respective legislators in the House of Representatives won’t have any qualms on passing the Reproductive Health bill which would benefit the majority of Filipinos especially couples. The survey is echoing the voice of the true constituency of Congress,” The Forum president Benjamin De Leon said.

De Leon said majority of the respondents agree that there should be a law requiring government to distribute legal contraceptives like condoms, IUDs, and pills to people who want to avail, as well as providing of free supplies or services to the poor who wish to use any modern method. The survey also revealed that 92 percent agree that students aged 15 to 24 years old should be given adolescent health education.
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In a recent, lively email exchange with a friendly dissenting Catholic, I offered the opinion that the Church suffers from anemic marketing strategies coupled with a bad press. You have a good product but you can't push it to the market (particularly referring to NFP). My response was elicited when he observed that majority of the church body seem at odds with the Magisterium in its stand on contraceptives. This SWS survey perhaps confirms his observations. Now then if my theory is true, it would be just about the right time to revisit what Pope John Paul II means by "New Evangelization". In Redemptoris Missio, the late Pope said:

"Clearly, the ordinary means of pastoral work are not sufficient: what are needed are associations, institutions, special centers and groups, and cultural and social initiatives for young people. This is a field where modern ecclesial movements have ample room for involvement".



It's about time for the Church to seriously consider, think creatively, and act fast on what Pope JP2 said. Sooner than later. Otherwise the crowd may soon be shouting: "Let His blood be on us and on our children!"
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