Idukki: Even as the call by bishop Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil of Idukki diocese of Roman Catholic Church to boycott artificial birth control methods sparked protests from various people in the region as well as on the social media, the church has come out supporting the bishop’s views.
“One should not forget the fact that the basic purpose of marriage is to bear and raise children,” said Fr. Jose Karivelikal, PRO of Idukki diocese said.
In his Christmas message, bishop Mar Mathew Anikuzhikkatil said couples who opt for artificial birth control methods were acting against God’s will.
The pastoral letter, which will be read at all churches under the diocese next Sunday said even during the time of migration to the hill state, when there was poverty all around, families did not think ofopting for birth control methods.
Children are God’s gifts and a fulfilment of God’s promise. But many families, which have opted to throw away the gifts are now living in misery, bishop Mar Mathew Anikuzhikatti said in the letter, The Times of India reported.
However, a priest has hit out at the bishop over his comments against birth control.
In a Facebook post, Jijo Kurian said: “India has now over 20 million orphan children.
Let us first give a life to these children and then think about giving birth to other children. The exploitation of natural resources has increased manifold due to population explosion. One need not increase population in order to spread faith.”
Standing by the bishop, the church PRO, however,said: “There is nothing controversial in the bishop’s words. The church do not allow artificial birth control methods.”