Lambeth Conferences of the Anglican Church

Historical Christianity and Birth Control

The Anglican Church was the first major mainstream Christian sect to approve the use of contraceptives.  In the few years that followed, all other major Christian communities followed with the exception of the Catholic Church.  The following were the resolutions made in 1930 for the limited use of contraceptives and in 1958 for their unlimited use. 

1930 Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops

Resolution 15

The Life and Witness of the Christian Community - Marriage and Sex

Where there is clearly felt moral obligation to limit or avoid parenthood, the method must be decided on Christian principles. The primary and obvious method is complete abstinence from intercourse (as far as may be necessary) in a life of discipline and self-control lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless in those cases where there is such a clearly felt moral obligation to limit or avoid parenthood, and where there is a morally sound reason for avoiding complete abstinence, the Conference agrees that other methods may be used, provided that this is done in the light of the same Christian principles. The Conference records its strong condemnation of the use of any methods of conception control from motives of selfishness, luxury, or mere convenience.

1958 Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops

Resolution 115

The Family in Contemporary Society - Marriage

The Conference believes that the responsibility for deciding upon the number and frequency of children has been laid by God upon the consciences of parents everywhere; that this planning, in such ways as are mutually acceptable to husband and wife in Christian conscience, is a right and important factor in Christian family life and should be the result of positive choice before God. Such responsible parenthood, built on obedience to all the duties of marriage, requires a wise stewardship of the resources and abilities of the family as well as a thoughtful consideration of the varying population needs and problems of society and the claims of future generations.