Canadian church aid agency won't fund programs distributing condoms

Published: 2003-12-19

OTTAWA (CNS) -- The Canadian bishops' international development agency said in a policy statement that it would not fund HIV/AIDS programs that include the distribution of condoms. In addition, the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace said that any project it funds for HIV/AIDS prevention would need to include information on the church's teaching on marital fidelity and abstinence. In a seven-page statement released Dec. 18, the agency said it does not support projects that are "isolated from broader action to fight poverty, that are not part of existing networks." The agency said it would look for partners "that share our religious affiliation, and with which we work in alliance."

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