Sir, - To allow the use of condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS would cause the whole rejection of birth control to collapse, with loss of face. How does a divine institution confess error? The late Father Joseph Dunn referred to it in his book No Lions in the Hierarchy, where he stated that St Augustine wrote: "The Holy Spirit alone decided the content, and the form, of the Scriptures and therefore, they were necessarily free from errors, mistakes and contradictions. The assumption was, of course, that if Scripture was in error, God would be responsible."
Many priests and bishops promoted the notion that AIDS was a punishment from God. I personally heard that stated by a priest in a Third World country, and he was of the opinion that "prayer is the answer to the problem". Is it any wonder the people of God are confused. It is a case of: "Let my will stand instead of reason".
Pumping money into the AIDS programme in Africa is a very laudable concept, but given the conflicting ideas, and the general mind-set on the issue, one can only fear for its success. - Yours, etc.,
M. Lyder, Darty, Dublin 6.