BIRTH-CONTROL POLICY CALL

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31500, 14 October 1967, Page 13

BIRTH-CONTROL POLICY CALL

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) VATICAN CITY, Oct. 13. An Indian delegate at the Roman Catholic Congress of the Laity yesterday called for a clear statement from the Church on the problei - of birth control.

The 3000-strong congress

is the first since the 1962-65 Vatican Council gave the laity a more important and active role in the Church’s work. The subject of discussion was the condition of mankind today. The vice-president of the International Conference of Rural Catholic Associations, Mr Santiago, of India, said the urgent problems of Asia were under-nourishment and over-population. The Church must attend to this problem and give a clear statement on responsible parenthood and the size of the family, he said. Dr J. J. Small, of Christchurch, New Zealand, whose wife, Delores, also spoke, said the size of the family was a critical problem which affected almost all marriages. He said he believed the intimate relations between Roman Catholic couples Should be more spontaneous and complete.

Shot Dead.—Malawi security forces have shot dead a former Malawi Cabinet Minister, Mr Yatuta Chisiza, the leader of a band of rebels opposing the regime of President Kamuzu Banda, it has been officially announced.— Johannesburg, October 13.