CIRCULAR #18/05 – Church’s Stand On “Catholics For a Free Choice”

September 6, 2005

TO THE CLERGY, THE RELIGIOUS, AND

LAY FAITHFUL OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CEBU

Greetings of Peace!

The text on Women’s Rights and Reproductive Health that is elaborated by the Catholics for a Free Choice is now being circulated among religious leaders for their support and signatures. Said text will also be inserted in the Political Declaration of the Heads of State during the Millennium +5 Summit, a gathering of world leaders at the United Nations on September 14-16, 2005.

During the International Conferences on “Population and Development” in Cairo and Beijing, the concept on Reproductive Health had been utilized to include “abortion” as a means of Family Planning. “The Holy See and many other Nation, however had objected it appealing of the so-called ‘reserve’ to make clear the different significance intended by them.” (Letter from the Apostolic Nunciature dated August 29, 2005)

The expression Reproductive Health to be inserted in said declaration would solely refer to the significance given by the documents of Cairo and Beijing, thus, making it unacceptable to the Holy See.

Please be informed then that the initiative and text of the Catholics for a Free Choice should not be supported by any means particularly affixing our signatures to said petition.

Sincerely in Christ,

+RICARDO J. CARDINAL VIDAL

Archbishop of Cebu

By Mandate of the Archbishop:

REV. FR. RENATO C. BELTRAN, JR.

Vice-Chancellor