Conscience or Law?

In his weekly Montana Catholic Register “Reflections” column, Bishop Murphy examines the relationship between church laws and an individual’s conscience. He asserts law remains an essential element of Church life. At the same time, he acknowledges that the church has always recognized the importance of individual conscience. In his view, “The development of a mature Christian conscience recognizes the importance of the law and sees it not as an impediment to freedom, but a guide for decision making in light of the Gospel and Christian tradition.”