Catholic social teaching proclaims human life sacred and insists on respect for the dignity of every human being.  Catholic social teaching also recognizes marriage and family as the pivotal societal institutions that allow individuals to grow in community.  Yet over the past quarter century, there has been a steady erosion of the general public’s and Catholics’ understanding of the integral nature of marriage, sexuality,  procreation and the value of every human life regardless of age or functioning level.

            This trend is culminating in the proposal of national and state laws, rules and regulations that legalize practices that are amoral; that may exclude Catholic institutions from being involved in some charitable activities; and that may mandate professionals to perform morally unconscionable activities.  Examples include: 

• The NYS Court of Appeals upheld the legality of the Women’s Care Act that mandates religious organizations that do not limit employment and services to only those of the organizing faith to provide insurance coverage for artificial birth control.
• The US Department of Health and Human Services in 2009 published for comment, regulations that rescind the right of healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals to opt out of participating in morally objectionable procedures such abortion.
• The federal Freedom of Choice Act, if passed, will terminate states’ rights to regulate reproduction and fetal termination services.

            In a series of three fifty minute sessions, the dynamics of this phenomenon will be explored. The series will include:

• Media Awareness:  Media exerts influence on people’s perspectives on parenthood, sexuality, marriage.  What are the overt and more subliminal messages being directed to the population at large on these pivotal subjects?  How do these forces affect public opinion?
• Conscience:  Forming a position of conscience in the Catholic tradition requires specific actions to be taken by an individual.  What are the steps of conscience formation?  How are the individual’s and institutional rights to conscience in jeopardy of being violated in laws, rules and regulations of state and national government?
• Speaking Up in the Public Square:  There is continual criticism of those who give voice to opinions on public policy issues when the opinion is based on faith based social and moral teaching. Is it permissible to bring Catholic social teaching to the public square?  What are ways that Catholics may influence public policy issues?

The skills taught in this educational series are applicable to all issues of the consistent ethic of life. The series will be available in each region of the diocese. Please contact Jann K. Armantrout at (585) 328-3210 x1304 for scheduling information.