same ". . . (Fr. Richard McCormick maintains that) there are many Jesuits conviction. However, sadly enough, fewer and fewer are willing to say this publicly." Thomas J. Gumbleton, Auxilliary Bishop of Detroit, in America, November 20, 1993.These two quotes reflect something of the tension and diversity of opinion among Catholics regarding the Church's teachings on birth control. Some, like Fr. Stravinskas, seem to regard artificial contraception as morally wrong in all circumstances. Others, like Bishop Gumbleton (and the many bishops and Jesuits to whom he alludes), question the very basis for considering artificial contraception to be immoral. The attitudes of priests and other ministers who are entrusted with providing moral guidance at the parish level also reflect this diversity. When these priests are asked about the morality of artificial birth control, some say that it is a mortal sin regardless of the circumstances of the couple. Others tell couples that they are to learn the Church's teachings and make up their own minds about what to do. The response of the laity, especially in the Western world, has been mixed. The Natural Family Planning movement is stronger than ever, with salaried teachers in many dioceses. Nevertheless, over 80% of Catholic couples within their childbearing years use some form of artificial contraception at some time to regulate the births of their children. These couples are often regularly attending church yet they do not seem especially concerned about living in mortal sin. What is interesting is that even though they have disregarded the Church's teachings on birth control, a majority of these same people support Pope John Paul II and value his leadership (Associated Press Poll, 6/5/96). This split between Catholics' love of the Pope and their blatant disregard for his teachings on human sexuality is one of the most significant signs of the struggles within the church.I feel that every person is di...
