Testing if the country is Catholic

Catholic campaign stalls Philippines' 'reproductive health' bill

Protesters display anti-Reproductive Health Bill placards during a rally in Manila. CNS photo / Erik De Castro, Reuters.

Catholic News Agency says Catholic clergy in the Philippines are strongly campaigning against political candidates who back a controversial "reproductive health" bill, helping stall its progress because politicians fear a backlash from Catholic voters.

Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon has instructed his priests about a campaign to inform the laity about candidates' position on the bill, CBCP News reports.

"This is an important issue, and this is a very good test whether the Philippines is a Catholic country or not," the bishop told the Archdiocese of Manila's Radio Veritas. "I hope even those who are not Catholics who believe in the sacredness of life will not vote (for) the politicians pushing for the RH bill."

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.