Days after several high-profile incidents of abortion and a newborn baby abandoned in a Gulf Air trash bin, the Archdiocese of Manila promptly issued a pastoral letter reminding its flock about the importance of human life.
In the letter released on Friday, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales condemned abortion as a "moral evil," and said those who get abortions as well as those who help obtain the procedure face excommunication before the Catholic Church.
"Thou shalt not kill! A deliberately procured abortion is a moral evil and the Catholic Church attaches the canonical penalty of Excommunication on those who procure it and on those who help obtain abortion," Rosales said.
He said unwanted pregnancies could be avoided if only people are "less selfish, more disciplined and capable of self control, exercising a strong will, and capable of making sacrifices."
Rosales condemned the incidents of aborted fetuses that were left near churches this week. At least 2 aborted fetuses were dumped outside the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, and the Church of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo District.
"With possible malicious intent, the ugly part of life is again gaining the limelight in our country as the frequency of aborted fetuses is publicly exposed. The placing and exhibiting of aborted human fetuses in public places are not favored in other cultures, and decent people refuse to do the same," he said.
Rosales said abortion could be a symptom of "grave moral decadence" that is threatening Philippine society.
Source: ABS-CBN News
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