Baltimore, Md., Oct 24, 2016 / 14:35 pm
Catholic Relief Services says claims that it took part in contraceptive distribution as part of a Congolese aid project were based on a lack of clarity in the project reports.
"Those who are concerned by these allegations can take further reassurance from the 12 bishops on our board, the USCCB and Congolese Bishop's Conference who all continue to stand by us," Catholic Relief Services told CNA Oct. 24.
On Oct. 17, the Lepanto Institute website charged that public reports about the Catholic relief agency's participation in the Project AXxes mother and child health project showed that it received and distributed contraceptives. The project took place in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2006 to 2010, with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development.
"CRS currently uses an elaborate ongoing review process for our programming, involving bishops on our board and top moral theologians, to ensure that we uphold Catholic teaching in all we do. If we ever do find a problem, we correct it immediately," the relief agency said in an Oct. 19 response.