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International Movement We are Church Chair at present: Raquel Mallavibarrena Penuelas 17 28005 Madrid SPAIN Tel.: +34-649332654 eMail: rmallavi@mat.ucm.es Internet: www.we-are-church.org

Press release Rome,
November 30, 2008

We are Church: The Roman Catholic Church
should accept the role of condoms in the prevention of HIV/Aids.

The Need for Future-orientated Christian Sexual Ethics

Statement on the occasion of the 20th World AIDS Day, December 1, 2008

The ‘International Movement We are Church’ asks leaders and theologians of
the Roman Catholic Church to reassess its moral teachings concerning the use
of condoms in the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

On the occasion of the 20^th World AIDS Day ‘We Are Church’ insists that the spread of HIV/AIDS, one of
the world’s deadliest diseases cannot be overcome without the use of condoms.
The mere appeal of the Church to abstinence does not do justice to the
reality of human life and is deeply irresponsible.

Caring for those who are already infected and suffering from HIV/AIDS is an
outstanding example of Christian charity. Charitable work by so many Christian
men and women around the world is absolutely essential in preventing the stigma
and exclusion of HIV/AIDS victims and their families. Their illness is often
borne in conditions of material, social, and spiritual poverty. But this charitable
work alone will not stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. The use of condoms in this
situation is basically a choice for life and not for death.

‘We are Church’ asks all Bishops and members of the Church to acknowledge the devotional work of so many priests, social
and pastoral workers involved in HIV/AIDS projects. They deserve great respect
and every possible support whether or not condoms are part of the help they
provide.

‘We are Church’ is very concerned with the pressure some Bishops put on
these Catholic men and women. To prohibit the use of condoms in the
prevention of the transmission of HIV/AIDS is a great sin of our Church,
the Catholic reform movement ‘We are Church’ maintains.

In his latest book Cardinal
Carlo Maria Martini calls for a new vision of ‘Humanae Vitae’ (1968) in the
light of views expressed by German, Austrian, and Canadian bishops amongst
others. Forty years of lived experience calls for change.

The Need for Future-orientated Christian Sexual Ethics

Future-orientated Christian sexual ethics, suited to meet natural human
requirements, should aim to analyse and to take into account social
developments without seeking to condemn them. The Christian good news –
loving our neighbour as ourselves – is the main frame for our orientation.

New scientific findings regarding human sexuality have to be allowed for.
Orientation to a static natural law alone is inadequate. The varying situation
of today of women, men and families – influenced by social, political,
scientific and global developments – has to be taken into account. New
principles have to be worked out and decided equally by women and men
reflecting on their life experience.

The Roman-Catholic Church really needs a new philanthropic, loving
understanding of sexuality which is free from anxiety. Human sexuality,
created and affirmed by God, is a life giving energy. When we observe sexuality
in all its complexity we should not reduce it to its reproductive and social
functions alone. Its particular value consists in the relationship of equal
partners.

Youth and young adults have to be viewed sensitively with care and wisdom during the development
of their sexuality. Topics such as sexual relations, contraception, or sexual
orientation ought to be addressed frankly according to the values of Christian
ethics. This will promote the formation of conscience.

Mutual respect and the responsibility for life are the main guidelines
of any partnership. A blanket condemnation of existing non-marital and
pre-marital sexual relations does not do justice to the women and men involved
and to their behaviour.

Married partners are living out exceptional lives of mutual love, responsibility and
fidelity. The Second Vatican Council (1962 to 1965) expects married people to
equally respect their own well-being and that of their born or expected
children; they are obliged to identify the material and spiritual conditions of
their time and their lives – and finally take care of the well-being of the
whole family, the secular world and the church (Second Vatican Council,
pastoral constitution "gaudium et spes", article 50).

The protection of the social life of men and women as well as the passing
on of life has been laid down in all religions. Effective principles of a
humane sexual ethic for our planet can only be developed in a process which
includes all religions (and confessions) and which shows respect for social
realities.

Please contact:

– Raquel Mallavibarrena
(Chair) (Spain) +34-649332654 rmallavi@mat.ucm.es

– Christian Weisner (Media) (Germany) +49-172-518
40 82 media@we-are-church.org
– Gotlind Hammerer (Austria)
+43-512 / 93 26 06 gotlind.hammerer@gmx.at

– Edith Kuropatwa-Fèvre (Belgium) +32-(0)-2-567-09-64 ekf.paves@telenet.be

– Helen McCarthy (Ireland) wearechurchireland@eircom.net

– Vittorio Bellavite (Italy) +39-02-70602370 vi.bel@IOL.IT

– Henk Baars (Netherlands) +31-20 6370221 hbaars@steknet.nl

– Maria Joao Sande Lemos (Portugal) +351.91
460 2336 mjoaosandel@gmail.com