30 Hour Famine & World Vision

[YMNolan]

Ok, so I have heard some great thing about the 30 Hour Famine sponsored by World Vision. I'd love to organize an experience like this for the teens at my parish. However, years ago I found out that Word Vision promotes the distribution of condoms in Africa as a means of fighting the spread of HIV. Their stance has not changed. I am afraid, that if we participate in the 30 Hour Famine, some of the money raised may go to their AIDS initiative. And, even if they could guarantee me that none of our profits would be used for that cause, is it still permissible for me to run a program sponsored by an organization who adheres to a policy counter to Catholic teaching?

And I guess my next question would be, is there a Catholic organization who does something similar to the 30 Hour Famine?

Thank you to anyone who can help me out here!

[quote]Q: What is World Vision’s policy on use of condoms as a preventive measure?
A: World Vision’s primary AIDS-prevention message is abstinence before marriage and mutual faithfulness within marriage. Not only is this God’s intended means of sexual and marital wholeness and fulfillment, but it is also the most effective way to prevent the spread of AIDS.

However, We also recognize that there are those who cannot (such as faithful spouses or girls forced into prostitution) or will not choose to remain abstinent or mutually faithful to one partner. Because their lives and the lives of their partners are also precious to God, World Vision will recommend consistent condom use as a secondary strategy.

Orphans and vulnerable children are the priority concern to World Vision. One of the best ways to help these children is by keeping one or both parents alive to care for them as long as possible. The use of condoms can prevent infection or re-infection between husband and wife.

World Vision endorses a balanced ABC (abstain before marriage, be faithful in marriage, but in certain situations use a condom) approach to managing the spread of HIV and AIDS, believing it to be consistent with scriptural truths and God’s commandments of love, compassion and justice for the innocent. This approach is endorsed by the Christian Medical and Dental Association.

In Africa, World Vision uses curriculum from Scripture Union to teach young people life skills that will help them to have healthy relationships. Empowering young people-especially girls-through education, economic opportunity and life skills training, is far more effective than condoms in preventing the spread of AIDS.[/quote]

[url="http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/getinvolved/hope-faqs#q1"]http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/getinvolved/hope-faqs#q1[/url]

[Brother Adam]

No, it is not morally permissible any more than you would give money to Planned Parenthood if they really, really promised it would be used for ultrasounds.

Yes there is, it is called the "Food Fast" by Catholic Relief Services: http://www.foodfast.org/

We are planning one with our youth.

[Anastasia13]

My mom would never let me participate in a total fast for very long because low blood sugar affects asthma. I would have loved to do something similar to one of those if I could have. As a former youth group member, I think maybe this would be a good thing to think about accommodating.

Edited January 14, 2011 by Light and Truth

[YMNolan]

[quote name='Brother Adam' timestamp='1295043986' post='2200131']
No, it is not morally permissible any more than you would give money to Planned Parenthood if they really, really promised it would be used for ultrasounds.

Yes there is, it is called the "Food Fast" by Catholic Relief Services: http://www.foodfast.org/

We are planning one with our youth.
[/quote]

THANK YOU! This is a huge help. You know I actually called CRS and no one told me about this?

[Jesus_lol]

I did the 30 hr famine a few years ago. it was fun and i raised a few hundred bucks for a good cause. if you disagree with this specific fundraiser, by all means find a different one.

[Sternhauser]

[quote name='Brother Adam' timestamp='1295043986' post='2200131']
No, it is not morally permissible any more than you would give money to Planned Parenthood if they really, really promised it would be used for ultrasounds.
[/quote]

If what you say is true (despite formal vs. remote material cooperation), then it is immoral to voluntarily pay taxes. Because the State uses some of your money for such purposes, as well.

~Sternhauser

[Piccoli Fiori JMJ]

+JMJ

Thanks for the info... I had no idea.

[Sirklawd]

[quote name='Sternhauser' timestamp='1295205151' post='2200774']
If what you say is true (despite formal vs. remote material cooperation), then it is immoral to voluntarily pay taxes. Because the State uses some of your money for such purposes, as well.

~Sternhauser
[/quote]

Does anyone really volunteer to pay taxes?

[Nihil Obstat]

For that reason I am trying to train myself out of the habit of saying that I, or anybody "owes" taxes. We do not owe taxes. We are forced to pay taxes.