Phoenix, Ariz., Oct 6, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Catholics are called to practice their faith in their everyday lives, including in the political sphere, said Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix in his latest column in the diocesan newspaper, the Catholic Sun.
“Lay people have a particular calling to engage in the political process as a means of promoting the common good,” said the bishop, however adding that this should always be done in a manner consistent with the teachings of the Church.
Referring to last year the Vatican document, titled “Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding Participation of Catholics in Political Life,” the bishop said Catholics can never legitimately support any law that attacks human life.
Many Catholics misunderstand the role of conscience in these life issues and they think conscience means “believing in whatever one wants, without regard to objective truth,” said the bishop.