LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The old Mass: dissent, pluralism and awe before God
CAFOD's position on condoms
From Bishop John Rawsthorne Sir, CAFOD's integrity and faithfulness as a Catholic agency is its greatest treasure. I am deeply concerned therefore that in The Catholic Herald (March 1), Eric Hester makes a number of unfounded allegations about CAFOD. Commenting on CAFOD's position on condoms in relation to the prevention of HIV/AIDS in developing countries ravaged by this disease, he asserts that CAFOD "will tell people how to obtain them and how to use them". This is simply not true. CAFOD is unequivocally clear that as the official agency of the Catholic Church, as stated on its website, it "does not fund the supply, distribution or promotion of condoms". At all times, CAFOD works entirely within the teaching of the Catholic Church. Mr Hester has no evidence to the contrary other than an unfair and misleading interpretation of CAFOD's statement.
No school or parish need have any fear that CAFOD's support for Catholic teaching is in doubt in any way.
Yours faithfully JOHN RAWSTHORNE Bishop of Hallam, Chairman, CAFOD Board and Trustees