New statement why contraception is wrong.

Washington, DC -- American bishops have agreed to prepare a new statement explaining why contraception is not acceptable. News reporter Paul Likoudis writes as follows: "Recognizing that the Church in America's crisis in vocations reflects a crisis in marriage and family life, the U.S. bishops agreed to produce a statement, directed to young adults and married couples, explaining why contraception is wrong.

"The idea for such a document came from Denver's Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.EM. Cap., who is the interim director of the bishops' office for pro-life activities since the retirement of Philadelphia's Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua.

"The statement is intended to be published in the form of an attractive brochure, which would seek a wide distribution in parish bookracks, and would also be taught to high school and college students. The statement should be ready for discussion by next year's November plenary meeting.

"Archbishop Chaput said Catholics need to know what the Church teaches about contraception because the 'teaching on contraception has been a battleground for those with differing views of Church authority, and, additionally, it would be a fitting tribute to the Pope to put into laymen's terms the teaching of John Paul II on the human body'" (Wanderer, Nov 20/03).