The Pope and Condoms

This morning, i received an email from Avaaz a human rights group. They have decided to launch a petition protesting what the Pope said about Condoms and AIDS. They are wrong on many counts. Below is what i wrote to them to tell them why

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Dear Sir

I applaud Avaaz passion for the poor and the oppressed but this time I am very disappointed that you have chosen to launch a campaign against the Pope.

Your petition takes the Pope's words on Condom use out of context. His full words, in a response to the question from a reporter on the plane can be read here.


In this, the Pope sketches a vision of hope and happiness and he goes to the root of the problem, so vital for the building of a civilisation of love.

Moreover, the Pope's position is supported both by research (see for example Harvard Epidemologist Edward Green who is not a catholic but an agnostic)

and also from what he is hearing from the African bishops themselves. (see John Allen from the Left leaning National Catholic Reporter)

Lastly, Avaaz should also consider whether the massive flood of condoms and Aids experts from Western countries is not a form of contraceptive imperialism and an imposing of first world ideas on the cultures of third world countries. Don't take it from me, take it from Sam L. Ruteikara co-chair of Uganda's National AIDS-Prevention Committee from Uganda who said as much in the Washington Post some time ago.

I hope that Avaaz will retract this petition and give readers the correct pircure.

With much regret and sadness
Nick Chui
Singapore