Vatican City,
December, 1987
Mr. John F. Kippley, President
The Couple to Couple League
P.O. Box 111184
Cincinnati, OH 45211-1104, USA
Dear Mr. Kippley:
Amidst all the reports received by this Pontifical Council for the Family on Natural Family Planning, the Couple to Couple League stands out for its integration of moral and religious principles into its day-to-day teaching of NFP according to the sympto-thermal method. I commend the League for the way in which it has developed its program in conformity with the teaching of the Church. This integrated approach is in accord with Familiaris Consortio and was also urged by the Holy Father when speaking to participants at the NFP conference here in Rome on June 5, 1987.
Using its excellent pastoral method of having a specially trained volunteer couple teach small groups of other couples, the League is a fine example of an authentic lay apostolate as seen by the Second Vatican Council. Therefore, the League certainly merits that support and promotion by the hierarchy and pastors which was also called for by the Council of Fathers.
In the field of Natural Family Planning, there is no substitute for years of pastoral experience. With such experience, the Couple to Couple League is able to provide a service to families which is sensitive and uncomplicated. The League draws on the wisdom gained through an autonomous lay apostolate of couples ministering to one another in the freedom of truth. I hope that Bishops and pastors throughout the Americas and elsewhere will welcome the League as an ally in their mission of teaching chastity and providing a truly pastoral way of integrating NFP into the lives of the faithful. While there is a need to organize and promote NFP on a wider basis, I hope that the Couple to Couple League and their lay apostolates will always retain their autonomy and their own proven approaches to enriching the Christian vocation of marriage.
Be assured of my continued support and encouragement. With every prayerful wish for your apostolate of love and truth I am,
Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Edouard Cardinal Gagnon
President, Pontifical Council of the Family