"If we really are concerned about honor killings, maybe we should shut up about the evils perpetrated by religion and just support gentler interpretations of belief. We may even have to knowingly promote a false belief, that there is such a thing as True Islam and that it endorses our moral convictions." - Taner Edis

I agree. In the Philippines, Catholicism is a reactionary force that exerts a great deal of moral influence on a huge number if not most Filipinos. Politicians are reluctant to openly challenge the church position on reproductive rights, specifically, the Church opposition to making safe contraception affordable and accessible. The individual rights of Filipinos to choose to have children or not or to plan their family size using contraceptive methods legally available elsewhere ought to be recognized by the government. Religion in general is the single most important obstacle to the realization of individual freedom in this regard.

I am an atheist, but i have a certain respect for religions as (1) carriers of culture of humanity for thousands of years, some elements of which can still provide inspiration, (2) medium of solidarity for people that must work together to achieve something to improve their lives. In the Philippines, parish priests were instrumental in setting up cooperatives that helped people acquire their needs, in getting people involved in civic issues including the fight for human rights, and many other positive undertakings. Catholicism as a common religion served to unify people to work together as communities.

More and more Filipino men and women are demanding recognition of their reproductive rights, even as they wish to remain Catholics. We should be able to work with them. We can leave the philosophical fight on theism vs. atheism to college students. There is a real political battle out here that we must win, and we need allies!

erikvillanueva@yahoo.com