Stephen Fry on the Catholic Church

[Aiza]

Addendum: I just did. I'm no longer angry or contemptuous of the people who defend the Church,merely saddened by the blind faith and tiny little minds. The Pope made a statement which is demonstrably false,yet has refused to retract it. In declining to do so, what may have been simple ignorance became a lie of omission,putting the lives of many thousands at risk. THAT is despicable and morally bankrupt in my opinion. Strawman arguments about doctrine are irrelevant, IT IS NOT OK TO LIE TO PROTECT DOCTRINE,PERIOD.,

He did not.

He said, again: "If there is no human dimension, if Africans do not help, the problem cannot be overcome by the distribution of prophylactics: on the contrary, they increase it. The solution must have two elements: firstly, bringing out the human dimension of sexuality, that is to say a spiritual and human renewal that would bring with it a new way of behaving towards others, and secondly, true friendship offered above all to those who are suffering, a willingness to make sacrifices and to practise self-denial, to be alongside the suffering."

This has been shown via scientific research which shows

1) Condom usage not being linked to a reduction in the HIV epidemic in Africa; and Protestant nations in particular having higher rates of HIV, on average, than Catholic ones.

2) Responsible sexuality being linked to a reduction in the HIV epidemic in Uganda, and healthcare being linked to an improvement of quality of life for those already living with HIV.

3) Research into risk compensation showing that a decrease in percieved risk leads to an increase in risky behavior.

It only becomes a "lie" if you chop off the first half of his sentence and take the quote out of context. Focusing on the human element of caring for others is absolutely what is most important.