Iglesia backs population bill but rejects ‘rhythm’ way

Now this is interesting. Iglesia ni Cristo not only supports the RH Bill but even rejects the "natural" family planning methods espoused by the Catholic Church...

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:46:00 09/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The Iglesia ni Cristo announced Tuesday its stand on the issue of family planning, virtually expressing support for the proposed Reproductive Health Act pending at the House of Representatives.

In a statement, INC spokesperson Bro. Bienvenido C. Santiago said, “The Iglesia ni Cristo accepts modern family planning methods or the use of what others call ‘contraceptives’ as long as they are not abortifacient in nature and they do not impose prolonged abstinence from sexual intercourse among married couples.”

Santiago explained that the INC is against abortion because it is a clear violation of the fundamental commandment “Thou shall not kill.”

He clarified, however, that INC rejects the rhythm method and other so-called “natural” family planning methods because “it is really contrary to nature.”

Among other things, he said, “That method runs counter to the apostolic teaching to all married couples which states “Do not deny yourselves to each other unless you first agree to do so for a while in order to spend your time in prayer; but then resume normal marital relations’ (I Cor. 7:5).”

"Secular Rights and Monopolies of Morality: Reframing the Abortion Discourse in the Philippines"

You are all invited to join a discussion entitled "Secular Rights and Monopolies of Morality: Reframing the Abortion Discourse in the Philippines" on September 17, 2008 at the UP College of Law 2-5 PM (Sta Ana Room, 3rd Floor, Malcolm Hall).

The presentation is based on Atty. Carolina Ruiz Austria's LLM Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto. Dr. Sylvia Estrada Claudio and Prof. Elizabeth Pangalangan will be the panelists/reactors.