The Winnipeg statement, passed in the immediate aftermath of
Humanae Vitae, and the turbulence and dissension that racked the Church in the aftermath of Vatican 2... has NO authority over Catholic belief. It falls into the the pitfalls of many 'national bishops associations' that often worked in opposition to the authority of Rome in the 'modernization' of the Church in 1960s and 70s, and led to a collapse in attendance and vocations. Benedict XVI has since restricted the practice of 'interpreting' Encyclicals to meet 'local' moral standards by these Associations.. which essentially VOIDS the statement. Have no doubt that
Humanae Vitae is authorative, and those Catholics who ignore it are in grave dissent with Catholic morality.
The statement itself was met with immediate and vocal opposition, including many Bishops, which found root especially among conservative practicing Catholic pro life advocates. The objections of opponents to the statement are perhaps best summarized in the writings of Msgr. Vincent Foy, who contends, among other things, that the Winnipeg Statement is
- is tantamount to blasphemy, has increased dissent in the Church, and is an act of disobedience to the Holy See
- has fostered support for homosexuality, the ordination of women and the fundamental 'option' of abortion
- is a major factor in the crisis of vocations to the priesthood and religious life
- has facilitated anti-life and immoral government legislation has deprived spouses of married love, has pitted spouses against one another, has made faithful Catholic couples feel betrayed and unsupported, and has been the cause of many marital breakups
- permits extra-marital sex, and has led to a lowered respect for women
- has not only adversely affected married life in Canada but in many other countries
- has led to the killing of countless persons through abortifacient pills and devices.
It's just one the things that were spawned of the 'Spirit of Vatican 2' as opposed to its literal documents.. and includes the deformation of Mass in the vernacular 'Novus Ordo' from the majestic Tridentine Latin Version.. which led to fragmentation of belief and practice in the Church.