Archbishop of Singapore: educating young people about the sacredness of love and life
by Jeremy Lim
In his message to Catholic schools, Mgr. Nicholas Chia explains the Church's position on premarital sex and contraceptive methods. He reaffirms the importance of "having the courage of our convictions" to defend and bring the values of the Church to all aspects of school life, so that students do not receive conflicting messages.

Singapore (AsiaNews) - The Church remains faithful to what proves to be positive for the human person, and supports the dignity and sacredness of love and life. This should also be part of sex education programs in Catholic schools in Singapore. So says Archbishop Nicholas Chia in his message to Catholic schools.

For Mgr. Chia: "Even though ours is a secular society where no religious group has the right to impose their beliefs on others, the Catholic schools should remain faithful to the official doctrine of the Church." "In the context of our schools - said the archbishop - would find it unacceptable if students receive a conflicting message about premarital sex or contraceptive methods." He also said the Church's desire to work with the Governing Council for the Promotion of Health on matters of sexuality.

Citing the encyclicals of Pius XI Casti Connubi and of Paul VI Humanae Vitae, the archbishop said that contraception is wrong, whatever method is used. However, Mgr. Chia recalled the special cases where condom use is accepted, as in the prevention of transmission of HIV / AIDS in married couples.

Archbishop Chia concluded his message by thanking the Catholic schools for their role in the growth of moral, spiritual, intellectual and physical health of young people. "Let us have the courage of our convictions, and bring education and true values in sexuality and in all other aspects to school life."