Bishops call for greater knowledge, use of natural family planning

Published: 2006-11-14

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- The U.S. bishops overwhelmingly approved Nov. 14 a document that encourages married couples who use artificial contraception to return to church teaching and learn how natural family planning can benefit the marital relationship. "Our goal has been to produce a document especially for engaged and young married couples, presenting the church's teaching on respect for the gift of procreation in the context of their hopes for a happy and fulfilled married life," said Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore as he introduced the document Nov. 13 as chairman of the bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities. Titled "Married Love and the Gift of Life," the document was approved on a 220-11 vote, with one abstention. Contraception introduces "a false note" that disturbs marital intimacy and contributes to a decline in society's respect for marriage and for life, said the document, written in question-and-answer form and intended for use as a brochure.

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .