The Lambeth Conference first experienced mixed reactions to their resolutions on marriage and sex in 1930. Resolution 15 stated that if there was a “morally sound reason for avoiding complete abstinence [from intercourse], other methods [of conception control] may be used in the light of Christian principles.” Before this conference, Anglicans and Catholics were in complete agreement that birth control was sinful. The Lambeth Conferences began to reflect the changes in birth control that Anglicans were adopting; social pressure caused the bishops to interpret scripture in accordance to the era. This showed that with the progression of the Church of England chose to modernize, whereas the Roman Catholic Church remained conservative.
The Catholic
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The minority report, composed of theologians and clergymen, concluded that any method of contraception, besides abstinence and the rhythm method were acts against God. The majority report was authored by a variety of members including physicians, scientists, theologians, clergymen, women and married couples; they argued that contraception is a responsible approach to parenthood. In Humanae Vitae, the Pope sided with the minority report to remain consistent with traditional church teaching; he ruled that contraception is always wrong since it could lead to “…conjugal infidelity, a general lowering of morality, easy corruption of youth, and loss of respect for women.” If the Church were to change their view in their teachings, then the Pope could be a less credible source on morality. Contraception would also indirectly reduce the population of the congregation which would slowly decrease the size of the Church. Pope Paul VI needed to assert his power in Humanae Vitae to show the relevance of Catholicism in reaction to the modernizing world. By remaining consistent with the traditional church teaching, the church hierarchy asserted their leadership