Marriage Aid

THE TIMES (LONDON), Oct 7 — Bob Geldof, star of the erstwhile rock band the Boomtown Rats, promotes marriage and fatherhood in a pair of programs scheduled for airing this month by the British Broadcasting Company.

“Dual-parent upbringing produces healthier, better-educated children. That's it,” he told the Times in advance of the shows' airing.

“We imagine ourselves to be free people, but we should not be free to destroy others, especially children,” Geldof said. “We have confused freedom with the idea of choice; we have become voracious consumers, not just of stuff, but of the soul.”

Geldof's band had a hit with “I Don't Like Mondays” in 1979. In 1985, he organized the mammoth Live Aid concert to help famine-stricken Ethiopia.

Australian Anglicans for Morality

THE AUSTRALIAN, Oct. 8 — The General Synod of the Anglican Church in Australia came down firmly in favor of traditional marriage and against the ordination of practicing homosexuals.

The Australians also criticized Anglicans in Canada and the United States for breaking with Scripture and church tradition on these issues.

Addressing the triennial meeting of Australian Anglicans, the Rev. Bruce Ballantine-Jones of Sydney said any sex outside marriage is sinful, “and that includes heterosexual and homosexual activity.” He said that such teaching for the church is “the basis of its moral voice.”

Voice of Experience

THE OREGONIAN, Oct. 8 — Don't tell Marion Hite that one person standing up for the unborn cannot make a difference.

“He's nearly 99 and doesn't expect to see 100,” says the Portland daily in a lengthy feature on the pro-life advocate. “Yet this old-timer considers himself a warrior whose only goal for 25 years has been to protest outside the Surgicenter abortion clinic each and every day.”

“Please let your baby live,” says his sign, which can be read from both sides. “We will help you; give him or her to us.”

Seeing the Light on Population

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR, Oct. 7 — China, like most other nations, has come to realize that population decline poses serious social and economic problems and is reportedly considering revising its “one child” rule since its fertility rate of only 1.39 children per woman is creating an aging population. Other examples in a global trend include:

— Starting this year, French mothers receive $1,000 for each new baby.

— In Italy, mothers now receive $1,200 for bearing a second child.

— South Korea has expanded tax breaks for families with young children.