An underlying thought seems to be pervasive in this discussion: since the Catholic Church has an incorrect opinion on the subject of birth control, it is therefore evil and has no right to speak about any issue. I disagree.

While I don't remember anyone saying the RCC was "evil" or had no right to speak about "any issue," I disagree also, Joe. The RCC has a right to speak out on any issue. What is damning, imo, is its lack of speaking out on certain issues, esp. a woman's right over her own body.

And, for the record, the RCC has spoken out plenty against condoms, actually using *that* word:

From HERE in 2009:

YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Pope Benedict XVI said condoms are not the answer to the AIDS epidemic in Africa and can make the problem worse, setting off criticism Tuesday as he began a weeklong trip to the continent where some 22 million people are living with HIV.

and:

The late Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo made headlines in 2003 for saying that condoms may help spread AIDS through a false sense of security, claiming they weren't effective in blocking transmission of the virus. The cardinal, who died last year, headed the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family.

I know there are priests and nuns who minister to their parishes and do NOT follow what the Pope has said, but Catholicism is growing the fastest in Africa and there needs to be clear leadership from the Pope on down on the issue of condoms regardless of anything else they may teach.

kat