Voting with your Conscience
Posted on 24. May, 2018, in Christian Values, Feminism/Women in the Church, Gospel Values, Humane Vitae1 Comment
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The decision on the upcoming reformation on whether to Repeal the Eight Amendment is causing people to examine their conscience. Which is exactly how it should be according to We Are Church Ireland. They believe that people should be free to vote in favour of repealing or retaining the eight amendment to the constitution in accordance with their consciences. They are backing this assertion up with the words of Doctor Joseph Ratzinger , now emeritus Pope Benedict 16th :
“Over the pope as the expression of the binding claim of ecclesiastical authority, there still stands one’s own conscience, which must be obeyed before all else, even if necessary against the requirement of ecclesiastical authority. “(Joseph Ratzinger, Commentary on the Doctrine of Vatican 2 , edited by Herbert Vongrimler Volume 5, page 134. 1969)
They added that while it is important that Catholics give due consideration to the teaching of the Church on this issue, they nonetheless have the right and duty to follow their consciences as their final moral arbiters. They say that once Catholic have made a decision according to their conscience they have done right and are in good standing with God and their Church. Miriam Gormally met Phil Dunne Spokesperson with We Are Church Ireland to explain further.
I found this interview frustrating at the beginning. Any mere repetition of a statement is not a deepening of the issue. I agree that this is an important decision but I find it hard to clarify what my conscience is, as I listen carefully to different positions expressed in the media. When Phil finally moved to her own stance, I was better able to engage with the issue personally. The example of Peter Sutherland was also helpful. I hope there might be further interviews on the topic that, like this one, would not be overly emotive. Many thanks for broadening this important subject.