Update: – A letter from the Human Sciences Research Council claims that the reported distribution of condoms in their report was the result of a data entry error. While we are hopeful that this claim is true, we reiterate that this could have been discussed prior to publication of our report had the Salesian Missions bothered to respond to our requested correspondence.
A week ago, the Lepanto Institute published a report showing that the Salesian Missions received federal funding for the implementation of a program called Life Choices. A few days later, the Salesian Missions published a statement denying the entire report without addressing any of the facts. The statement reads as if it was lifted from the Catholic Relief Services “denial of wrong-doing playbook,” as it follows the same model: 1) Declare that they take all concerns seriously, 2) Deny any wrongdoing without addressing the facts, 3) Accuse the reporting party of malicious intent, 4) Fill the page with the organization’s good works. In part, the Salesian Missions statement says (our comments in red):
Allegations that programs we support are not in adherence with this are investigated. Salesian Missions has concluded these claims are without merit, as with many other claims made by this organization. (if the claims are without merit, then the Salesian Missions should have no problem illustrating how the information contained in the report is false.)
Salesian Missions is not alone in being the target of false claims from “reports” published by critics with a sole purpose to launch misleading attacks. (still no actual rebuttal. Please explain where the report is either false or misleading) We join the Vatican and other respected Catholic organizations who, like us, have been attacked in this manner — and who, like us, are tirelessly dedicated to doing work that helps people in need. We join them in standing up to ongoing false allegations that seek to damage our work.
While it is important that we respond in some way, it is more important that we not let our energy and focus be compromised, because it is needed elsewhere. (In other words, “we’re not going to address the facts in the report.”) The work that is done by more than 30,000 Salesian missionaries around the globe saves lives and provides hope to millions of children in some of the poorest places on the planet. We are saddened that any attempts would be made to attack the work being done by not only these missionaries but thousands of local staff, in places like Africa which is plagued with unrest and disease.
In addition to this statement, after ChurchMilitant.com republished our initial report, the Salesian Missions Newswire service asked Google to suppress the story in their search rankings. The Salesian Missions Newswire did the same thing after Life Site News published an article on the same story, calling Life Site News a “pseudo news site” and our report an “inaccurate ‘news’ story tied to a group that is known for issuing false reports.”
Let’s review the facts of the report:
- Documents from both USAID (page 72 of this document) and PEPFAR (page 259 of this document) show that the Salesian Missions received government funding, beginning in 2005, in order to implement the Life Choices program.
- USAID and PEPFAR both indicate that the money received by the Salesian Missions included the promotion of condom use.
- The Salesian Missions website confirms the reception of USAID and PEPFAR funding for the implementation of the life choices program in Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania.
- Documents obtained from the Salesian Life Choices program in South Africa (Youth Friendly HIV Counseling and Testing manual and Manual for Peer-Educators Grade 9) all include promotion of condom use and more.
- The Salesian Life Choices for South Africa website indicates that it was started in 2005 by the Salesian Order through grants from PEPFAR and USAID.
- The Salesian Life Choices organization shares the same address (312 Imam Haron Road) as Our Lady Help of Christians parish, which is operated by the Salesians.
- The youth newsletters produced through the Salesian Life Choices program include the promotion of condoms and abortifacient contraception. In fact, some of the same exact language used to promote all forms of contraception in youth newsletter #4’s article titled, “Children Having Children” is found on page 19 of the Manual for Peer-Educators Grade 9.
In order for the statement by the Salesian Missions to be true, then the USAID and PEPFAR documents which indicate that Life Choices included condom promotion must be false. Furthermore, the manuals listed on the Salesian Life Choices website must be false, and the newsletters produced by children going through the Salesian Life Choices program must also be false. But there’s more to this story which was not included in the initial report.
After the first report on the Salesian Missions was published last week, the Salesian Life Choices website closed public access to the program manuals we cited. Here is what the resources page looked like prior to publication of our report:
And here is what the resources page looks like now:
Just as a note, if the Salesian Missions is innocent of the facts we have presented, then there should be no need to hide the information mentioned in our report. But attempting to cover-up the facts we’ve previously presented isn’t even the worst of it.
The Salesian Life Choices program distributed over 100,000 condoms to kids in 2008!
In March of 2010, a document titled, “KNOW YOUR HIV PREVENTION RESPONSE (KYR) ANALYSIS REPORT FOR COMPONENT 3: WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL REPORT” was published by several government agencies. The acknowledgements section on page four of this document gives a “special thank you” to the non-profit and non-government organizations that provided researchers with the requested information:
This review of HIV prevention policies and programmes was researched and compiled by a team of researchers from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and Health Policy Initiative (HPI), under the guidance and direction of the United Nations AIDS Programmes (UNAIDS), the World Bank and the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC). Acknowledgement is also expressed to programme implementers who provided participated in the national workshop in providing relevant contact details of HIV programmes and interventions in the nine provinces. To the government departments and the non-profit organisations, private and non-governmental organisations in the Western Cape, a special thank you is extended to these organisations for providing the researchers with the necessary information requested.
This is to say that all statistics and organization-based information was provided directly by the organization sited in the document. Page 14 of the document verifies this fact. Page 14 provides a table of organizations that participated in the study, and the years for which data was collected. The table includes Salesian Life Choices and gives data for years 2006, 2007, and 2008.
On the same page, the document indicates that the information collected from the Salesian Life Choices came in the form of both worksheets and annual reports:
“Besides the worksheets that were completed, organizations also submitted annual reports where additional data was extracted by the researchers for the purpose of the study.”
This is all important to establish because this shows that the information indicated in this report came directly from the organizational source. In short, what this report says about the Salesian Missions came directly from the Salesian Missions itself.
Page 24 of the report gives a chart for the number of condoms that were distributed to children age 15-19 for the year 2008. The chart indicates that the Salesian Life Choices was responsible for nearly half of all condoms distributed to children that year, and then says, “For the year 2008, Salesian Life Choices distributed 114,546 condoms to in-school youth.”
The next chart on the same page shows that Salesian Life Choices distributed hundreds of condoms to “Most-At-Risk-Populations” (people in prisons and young women 20-24 years old).
Page 55 of this document is the beginning of Appendix D, “Summary of Partner Activities in Western Cape PEPFAR (US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Activities in Western Cape Province, FY 2009). Under this appendix, on page 67, the entry “Salesian Missions” is an explanation of the Life Choices program, including this statement:
“Life Choices also run programs with the stakeholders in their lives – teachers and parents. Each year Life Choices chooses different themes in order to ensure that youth aged 10 -14 delay sexual debut, older youth 15 -24 practice secondary abstinence and those who are sexually active stay faithful to one partner, know their HIV status and are given full information on consistent and correct use of condoms.”
And just in case this information isn’t enough to confirm the condom-promoting elements of the Salesian life Choices program founded by the Salesian Missions in South Africa, this video from 2006 should remove all doubt.
This video was produced by the Salesian Life Choices program, and at the very end of the video is this screen which says, “A project of the Salesians of Don Bosco,” while accompanying the logo of the Salesian Order. At 3 minutes at 3 seconds in the video, the camera pans down a list of risky behaviors, and included in the list is “sex without a condom.” Here is a side-by-side look at what will be seen in the video:
Just to be clear, this is a video produced by Salesian Life Choices, hosted on Salesian Life Choices own YouTube channel, reinforcing the fact that condom promotion is indeed a factor in the Salesian Life Choices program, which was implemented by the Salesian Missions.
Conclusion
The statement from the Salesian Missions is both unfortunate and disappointing. It would have been much better for the Salesian Missions to have carefully examined the facts as we have discovered and presented them and responded to our email prior to publication. It would have been best if the Salesian Missions had expressed the same kind of concern we’ve had regarding this information, followed by a promise to immediately rectify the matter. Instead, the reaction was to deny the facts and then attempt to bury the report.
The denial statement issued by Fr. Mark Hyde, director of the Salesian Missions is completely inadequate. More seriously, in the face of the facts, the denials simply aren’t even plausible. It is very important that this information reach the Rector Major of the Salesian Order. Contact the Office of the Rector Major:
Secretary: | ||
---|---|---|
Name: | Fr Horacio Lopez | |
Nationality: | Argentina | |
Previous role: | Provincial ARS | |
Email: | [email protected] | |
Tel: | 06.656121 | |
Secretary: | ||
Name: | Fr Antonino Zingale | |
Nationality: | Italy | |
Previous role: | Director | |
Email: | [email protected] | |
Tel: | 06.656121 |
Domenico says
For some reason the email addresses of the Rector Major has disappeared from their website
http://sdb.org/en/rector-major/1147-rm-office-en2
Only the first part of their email address remains…
Michael Hichborn says
The first part of the email address was all that was there originally. We inserted the rest of it so that people would have the complete email address. We suspect it only had the first part but not the second in order to avoid spam from internet robots.
Ed of ct. says
I received a Two page letter from them similar to the response you published
I had given them many Thousands of dollars over the last few years. Sad to see them coraid of Netherlands and Crs go so far away from the faith. Gov money corrupts even Alleged Catholic agencies. No more money for them Ever Again
How sad to see them engage in such denial and snide comments about faithful groups All , life site need Cm and Lepanto inst. A sad day for the faithful who gave themoney in good faith for use by poor people. Ironic that nations like Nyc
USA ,Thailand and South Africa that distributed confpms have had a Increase in aids and SStd ss
Michael Hichborn says
Ed,
Sad indeed. However, even though people with wicked intentions stand at the gates, Our Lady and Our Lord are still in command. They know what is happening, and they know that your money was granted in good faith. Pray hard for them. They will have much to answer for.
Ed of ct. says
Very very upsetting to myself in particular
My family had given to Marylnolls for years until they went liberation theology in the 1960. No.more money for Salesians now as well
I had viewed MOVIES on St. John Bosco. I thought they Salesians would be faithful
How sad.
Jody says
Thanks for helping me to see things in a diefrfent light.
Carlos Julio Casanova Guerra says
Well, you are right, they promote contraception and the use of condoms. But it is much worse: it give full sexual lessons (the manual); and neither of the documents of these missionaries name Jesus, or God. The “manual” says “christian” once. It is outrageous. I only spent 10 minutes reviewing it, and ended up disgusted: it was enough…
Michael Hichborn says
Carlos,
I almost didn’t look into the Salesian Missions because of their good reputation. I was completely shocked when I started finding this stuff, and I’m not easily shocked.
Helen McMenamin says
Will try to contact them, but will not be donating another cent to this organization, or to any other Catholic mission group.. It would be very helpful if you could publish for us a list of missionary groups who have remained faithful to the Catholic Church, and to their teachings.
Michael Hichborn says
Such a list is in the works.
Kevin Rilott says
Michael, a list of faithful Catholic organizations that are not in bed with the culture of death and who’s CEO’s don’t rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars is a GREAT idea.
Michael Hichborn says
Working on it, Kevin. Hopefully, we’ll have something ready to go in the next couple of weeks.
Anna McKenzie says
I don’t know how I happened upon your web site & news letter but I am happy that I did. I am looking forward to your list of so called Catholic organizations to avoid like the plague. Please tell me that Unbound is an okay organization. I have been with them for quite a few years and from what I see, they do a lot of good. Prayerfully it is all good!
Joyce says
I had no idea how to approach this beoe-ornfw I’m locked and loaded.
Leslie says
The most recent date cited in your report (other than the current website) is 2010. What has been happening in the last 5 years? Is the funding still there? same amounts? same programs? Do recent reports indicate the same problems? Will you be citing those as well?
Ma Bee says
If you go to the LIfe Choices youtube channel, you can see that currently posted videos (some from 2006) were added to the site in December 2013 and they are still up. The fact that the head of the Salesians does not prove the charges are wrong seems pretty damning.
About twenty minutes ago, I left the following comment on a short animated film (“Life Choices Animation,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2BiWCBaiNU) suggesting that Don Bosco broke tradition and now the Life Choices members are doing the same:
Don Bosco must be rolling in his grave. To compare an organization that pushes condom use to this great saint’s activities supporting the true good of young people through practical help and instruction in the Faith, including participation in the Sacraments, is INSANE.
I just checked to post this reply and my comment has disappeared!
scarda says
Insanity is a mental illness. There is a great deal of difference between mental illness and wickedness. What is going on with LifeChoices and the Salesians is wicked, unholy, and deliberate.
Michael Hichborn says
Leslie,
The first report (http://www.lepantoinstitute.org/crs/salesian-missions-promote-masturbation-contraception/) we issued on this matter shows that the Salesian Life Choices program is not only still going on, but the initial information obtained was current on the website until they closed the door on it. The fact that Salesian Life Choices shares an address with the local Salesian parish also reinforced the ongoing collaboration on the project as well.
Glenn says
A few weeks ago we got an appeal letter from Salesian Missions with some Christmas cards enclosed. We were going to use the cards until we saw this report. I have since shredded the cards and will not donate to the organization. Thanks
Maggie says
I received a letter from the Salesians saying they did not do anything wrong….it sure looks like they lied.
Michael Hichborn says
If they did nothing wrong, it should be pretty easy to explain away the information that was presented. The fact that they refuse to address even one of the facts in these reports speaks volumes.
M.T.Pompei says
My admiration for the Salesians has always been great. I grew up surrounded by them and St. John Bosco is one of my favorite saints. This report causes me tremendous grief and sadness. What is happening to these Salesians? Have they lost their sense of our Faith? I WILL REFUSE TO CONTRIBUTE at any time in the future and I pray and hope that they’ll clean this mess.
Michael Hichborn says
M.T.,
I almost didn’t conduct this research because of my love and respect for St. Don Bosco and his Salesians. It was greatly distressing to me to discover what I’ve reported.
Dr. Robert Schwartz says
As a Catholic, I, too, am shocked at the coverage here on the Salesian mission in Africa.
An explanation is warranted. A Catholic institution that facilitates evil must be transformed at once.
Patricia To says
Please name Catholic charities that are faithfully following Church teachings so that we can be confident donating to them this coming Christmas season. Thank you.
Mark says
We need a list of faithful Catholic charities. Thank you Lepanto for showing us what is really going on.
Miroslav says
What would Don Bosco do? And what would Jesus do? I don´t understand how it is possible to support such a activities by Salesian Mission. Why?
fons janssen says
Where from here????
Yes a list of genuine Catholic organisations who have not and will not be tainted or worse by accepting money to be used for causes contradicting Catholic teaching as laid down by Jesus himself.
At the same time we must pray for their conversion (Salesians) and full acceptance of Catholic teachings and truth. They too were created in God’s image and likeness but through lack of sincere prayer went astray.
Fredric Van Coppenolle says
I remember when I worked for Waste Management collecting residential garbage in the city of Medford, Massachusetts, My co-worker, Hosea, told me the Salesians were not good. When I asked him why he said this, he said, never mind and just believe him. So maybe this has a connection. Maybe? By the way he was a great worker.
Andy B says
Long over due….a comprehensive list of Catholic organizations who are faithful, who take gov funds, and we need to know how much the chairman / president / CEO makes.
Phyllis Armeli says
How sad and pathetic that the Salesians knowingly and willingly promote sin and evil.
A dear Salesian priest friend of mine labored tirelessly for years to win souls for Christ in the
Bahamas. Such a mockery to his memory and those who were true to their Salesian
calling.
James says
The Patron Saint of the Lepanto Institute should be John the Baptist. I would also like to add my voice to the people asking for a comprehensive list of all Catholic organizations charitable giving………listing not what they say they do but who they actually give to.
Sadly most of the USCCB groups are “partners” with the culture of death.
Teresa says
Thank you for exposing more impostors in our Church, pretending to be Catholic clergy, while “doing un-Catholic things.” They must be- all of them – confronted, flushed out and driven out. We have scores of them in Detroit. They are actually a global plague right now. Now that they have their buddies/comrades, like Kasper and others, in high places they are crawling out from the woodwork. May Our Lady of Victory stand by our side and help us. May God be with you. Lord have mercy, and help us.
Barry Forbes says
Great article. My wife and I stopped giving to most Catholic charities a few years ago… because we could no longer trust them! There must be millions more just like us. Yes, publish a list of those who have remained faithful, then update it annually. We’re willing to give, but there are a way too many bad ones.
FRLBJ says
Matercare international seems to be Catholic all the way with its open support for Catholic morality in obstetric care for the poor.
Aunt Margaret says
Anti-pope Benedict XVI said this was ok years ago. Why is this a surprise to anyone. The Salesians are dedicated to the VII sect and are just going with the flow. They may not have started out that way but their apostasy is evident.
Francis says
Maybe we can read these for further clarifications
http://www.salesianmissions.org/statement
http://www.salesianmissions.org/sites/default/files/lifechoicesprofsetswe2.png
Michael Hichborn says
Thanks Francis. We responded to that in our follow-up article here: http://www.lepantoinstitute.org/catholic-relief-services/salesian-missions-crs-defend-evil-program/