Tradition isn't everything

Asked about the criticism, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the Pope was "maintaining the position of his predecessors."

This statement makes me angry beyond belief.

In the face of the pandemic of HIV/AIDS tradition needs to be treated with great caution as new medicines, research and preventions become available.

The Catholic Church, and indeed the church in general, teaches fidelity within heterosexual marriage and abstinence are the best ways to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

And I agree that these are the most effective ways to stop the spread of HIV
(In fact I personally believe that abstinence and fidelity are the safest and best ways in which to enjoy sex, but that's a whole other debate..) however these two ideals are not the easiest to follow, especially in African cultures where 'traditionally' these values have not been held.

There is no reason that condoms shouldn't be used as a safer alternative, because when they are used consistently and correctly (and thats a much greater 'if' than i think some people realise!) they do prevent the spread of HIV.

The 'hardcore' Catholics would argue that no couple should ever use birth protection as it is wrong to stop the possibility of conception, as that is ultimately God's decision.

However, I disagree on that, especially when it comes to the HIV/AIDS front, a God who loves each of us more than we could ever imagine as I know my God does, does not want his people to suffer.

We suffer because of the consequences of separation from God, that our sin creates and because of a devil who loves to see things go wrong and loves nothing more than seeing a person reject God.

If condoms are a somewhat effective means of protecting an individual from a life shortening, horrible disease I would encourage people to use it. In the same way as I would very strongly encourage people to consult doctors and other medical staff if they were ill.

God is in control, he gave us brains and the innovation and creativity for us to invent and problem solve, he uses things that we view as ordinary and commonplace for his purposes.

My hope, my prayer is that HIV/AIDS education in Africa will be far reaching enough to help people to understand the importance of abstainence and fidelity but also benefits of using condoms and how to use them correctly, I know that this a very, very far off goal, but it is a goal nonetheless.

(And for those of you are rich enough and have enough living space, please enjoy never using birth control won't you....)