Politics and conscience

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Back in 2007 the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote a document called “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” In that document the bishops agreed that Catholics should be able to vote their consciences regardless of the candidates’ controversial political views.

Fast forward to 2012 when the controversial governmental birth control policy has stirred up the Catholic community. It seems that the bishops are now reversing their stance on the right of Catholics to use their personal consciences. Instead of voting rights, it now involves the use of birth control. For years, many practicing Catholics have used contraceptives instead of or along with natural family planning. What is the difference between conscience political views and conscience personal views?

Jim Harder

Davenport

epay

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