Statement of the Hierarchy of England and Wales on ‘Humanae Vitae’

The Bishops Conference of England and Wales released the following statement on the 17th September, 1968, after a seven-hour emergency session held to discuss the fallout from the release of Humanae Vitae:

1. When Pope Paul issued the Encyclical “Humanae Vitae” he asked the bishops to see that his teaching was presented in its true light “that is, to show its positive and beneficent aspect.”

The Encyclical, nevertheless, concerning as it does the source of human life, was bound to arouse strong feelings. Whatever decision the Holy Father made was bound to be a test of faith. Some Catholics were convinced that a change in the moral teaching and practice of the Church was inevitable. Others were just as strongly convinced that any change would be a betrayal of the faith.

Statement of the Hierarchy of England and Wales on Contraception, May 7th, 1964

Debates at the Vatican Council are no longer secret, but discussions in the Conciliar Commissions remain confidential. It is not yet possible, therefore, to disclose full details of the agenda for the session due to commence in September. But speeches of the Pope and some of the cardinals in Rome make it fairly clear that certain subjects are bound to be debated. It seems likely, for example, that the Council will issue a statement on religious liberty and on the Jews. Decrees on Christian unity will be promulgated. These are eagerly awaited in this country, since they will enable the Hierarchy to draw up rules for the guidance of clergy and laity in ecumenical work.

A Catholic Catechism of Social Principles

Catholics in the World

“The age in which we live may be an ignorant age, an age of hero worshippers and autograph hunters, in which no man is of value unless he is brilliant or glamorous or featuring the headlines. But it is the age into which we have been born and it is the duty of Catholics not to despise the age but to leaven it with Catholic principles and with love. To fight the block ideals of the abortionists, and the birth controllers, and the sterilisers of the unfit, and the murderers of the old and infirm. And then to add what is missing to this Welfare State, a respect and a love for men. Have you ever when walking at night passed a warm lighted window and caught a glimpse of a family seated within? You have immediately a wistful feeling of exclusion. All this is what you can supply to a modern world, a window of light and love. The State will build you marvellous factories, and hospitals and schools, all built in cool cold steel, and marble and stone. It will be for you with your warm hands and heart to turn to your neighbour and light the fires in these ice boxes and turn them into homes. The State will give men security, but only you can give them love.”

– Most Rev. John Aloysius Murphy, Bishop of Shrewsbury, Advent Pastoral Letter, 1955.

A Marriage Handbook

Contraception and Conscience

Most Rev. John Charles McQuaid, D.D. Archbishop of Dublin, Primate of Ireland.

25th November, 1970

For some time past, in this Diocese, statements have been made by various categories of people in the daily press and in magazines concerning the regulation of birth. Any writer or speaker who wishes to venture into the area of the doctrine of the moral law is gravely obliged to understand correctly and to state accurately the objective moral law as the teaching authority in the Church explains that law.

In a Diocese, there is only one teaching authority who, under the Pope and in union with him, is competent, by virtue of his sacred office, to declare the authentic and objective moral law that is binding on all the Faithful of his Diocese, both priests and lay folk. That authority is the Bishop.

Accordingly, to correct the confusion that has been caused in the minds of the Faithful of this Diocese, we hereby formally declare the doctrine of the objective moral law concerning the regulation of birth: every action which, either in anticipation of the marriage act or in the accomplishment of that act, or, in the development of the natural consequences of that act, proposes, either as an end or as a means, to make procreation impossible, is unlawful in itself. In other words, any such contraceptive act is wrong in itself.

Overpopulation: Is Birth Control the Answer?

Birth Control

A Talk to Catholic Wives