"For democracy to thrive, citizens need to act in accord with their beliefs. Anything less empties public life of its moral character….Thus, the duty of each citizen is to choose a course in every public issue guided by his or her conscience. This is a serious matter. For Catholics, conscience is never merely a matter of personal preference or opinion. Nor can conscience be formed in a vacuum. Conscience is shaped by our understanding of the truth. It should always be formed in the truth of Jesus Christ which, as Scripture reminds us, is embodied in the teaching of the Church. For Catholics, a 'right conscience' can never be formed outside the guidance of their Catholic faith." ~ an excerpt from a letter to Catholics from the Colorado bishops on |
