The Vatican is launching a drive to make sure that Roman Catholic consciences correctly reflect Church teaching as it encourages the faithful to make their voice heard on moral issues such as abortion.Catholic scholars, theologians, professors and others who explore morality issues will meet at the Vatican on Friday and Saturday to discuss how Catholics should follow their conscience, and if the situation calls for it, declare themselves to be conscientious objectors, especially doctors, nurses, pharmacists, judges or administrators.
Msgr. Elio Sgreccia, who heads the pontifical academy, told a Vatican news conference that the conference's conclusions would be made public in the hope they could serve as a reference point for those seeking guidance.
``We are convinced that not only is there legitimate space for the Christian conscience in a pluralistic society, but there is a usefulness for whole society when the Christian conscience can express itself and offer a contribution,'' Sgreccia said.
``Obviously, individual faithful are required to be certain of the validity of their judgments of their conscience, above all in relation to the truth,'' Sgreccia said. ``We need true, sure, correct consciences among the faithful, conditions that are not at all taken for granted.''
Sgreccia was asked about a recent decision in Britain, backed by Prime Minister Tony Blair, compelling faith-based agencies to consider gay couples in adoption cases. Cormac Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor, the leader of the Catholic church in England and Wales, had asked Blair for an exemption.
The Vatican official said Catholics should be allowed to be conscientious objectors in those cases.
'I'd marvel if in a nation like Britain, they would refuse to recognize conscientious objectors.'' He said Catholics might have to pursue the issue in European human rights courts.
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