The Bishops have issued a response to the recent statement of principles from Catholic Dems in the U.S. House (we discussed it here). They rebuke the Dems on the life issues, as was to be expected, but even better is they address the most obnoxious part of the Dems' statement --their invocation of conscience. The bishops make the most important point: "conscience" does trump all, but only an informed and formed conscience. You don't get to call whatever you happen to want today "conscience."
As the Church carries out its central responsibility to teach clearly and help form consciences, and as Catholic legislators seek to act in accord with their own consciences, it is essential to remember that conscience must be consistent with fundamental moral principles. As members of the Church, all Catholics are obliged to shape our consciences in accord with the moral teaching of the Church.
Youch! This stings even more when you look at the authors: Keeler, McCarrick, DiMarzio. Cardinals whose politics and sensibilities trend Left. Curtsy to Joseph Knippenberg at No LeftTurns. And while we're at it, he has an interesting post up on same-sex marriage and adoption, too, the main thrust of which is well illustrated by the conversation I had with a reader in this post.
