All hell broke lose in attacks on Pope Benedict XVI for his stand on AIDS. On his trip to Africa, the Pope said that “abstinence is the only way to avoid HIV. Condoms are part of the problem, not the cure. The AIDS crisis will be solved only by abstinence and education.”

Secular views on contraception are clearly condemned in the Bible (Genesis, 13). But the news media not understanding the Christian religion created a big storm out of the Pope’s remarks, which they claim are “unscientific and irresponsible.”

Yet, there are scientists who agree with the Pope. Edward C. Green, director of the AIDS Prevention Research at Harvard University has said that “The evidence confirms that the Pope is correct in his assessment that condom distribution exacerbates the problem with AIDS.” In his book, “Rethinking AIDS Prevention,” Green recommends instead of sexual promiscuity a “relatively simple, low-cost behavioral change program of increased monogamy and delayed sexual activity for young people.”

You have to admire Pope Benedict for his courage to defend the true faith and sound moral principles. Supported by our prayers, he’ll weather the storm.

Paul Fleischman

Grass Valley