Catholics for Choice Tackles Tough Theological Topics in Latest Issue of Conscience

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Contact: John Becker, Press Secretary
Phone: 202-203-0931
Email: jbecker@catholicsforchoice.org

Catholics for Choice Tackles Tough Theological Topics in Latest Issue of Conscience

WASHINGTON — Catholics for Choice, which uplifts and amplifies the voices of the majority of Catholics who believe in reproductive freedom, announced the release of the newest issue of CFC’s Conscience magazine, the only magazine in the United States dedicated exclusively to religious and reproductive freedom. Titled “The Theology Issue,” it brings together four Catholic theologians to tackle topics including feminism, reproductive justice, and maintaining one’s Catholic identity in today’s polarizing political climate. It is available in print and online.

Catholics for Choice President Jamie L. Manson, M.Div., said:

“Given that the pro-choice majority remains silenced and stigmatized within the walls of our church, Catholics for Choice recognized a clear mandate to provide Catholics and other people of faith with the theological resources they need to fortify their pro-choice values or help guide them in their discernment of the issue’s moral complexities. It’s the perfect companion for those longing to engage in thoughtful conversation about abortion. Catholics for Choice is proud to offer ‘The Theology Issue’ of Conscience as a contribution to that conversation, because it honors what progressive Catholics know intrinsically: our tradition abounds in wisdom about equality, justice, and dignity — for those who have the intellectual courage to seek it.”

“The Theology Issue” features the following:

• Craig A. Ford Jr., Ph.D., an assistant professor at St. Norbert College, examines the wide and growing chasm between the regressive, partisan political activities of the U.S. Catholic hierarchy and the more progressive, inclusive beliefs of the faithful Catholics in their pews. Ford starts with a persistent question: since American bishops often support laws that undermine civil liberties, why should we stay Catholic?
• Lisa A. Fullam, DVM, Th.D., professor emerita at Santa Clara University, unpacks church tradition on abortion in the context of its guidance for Catholics about conscience — which, she writes, “magisterial teaching can never displace.”
• Emily Reimer-Barry, Ph.D., a Catholic moral theologian and associate professor at the University of San Diego, dives into the shared strengths of Catholic social teaching and reproductive justice.
• Theresa A. Yugar, M.Div., Ph.D., theologian and leading expert on Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, explores the Mexican nun’s impact on Catholic feminism.
• In “Our Religions Support Reproductive Freedom,” religious leaders from multiple religious traditions talk about why they are pro-choice.
• This issue also includes reviews of movies, books, and more.

Catholics for Choice has published Conscience: The Magazine of Religious and Reproductive Freedom since 1974. Annual subscriptions are $35/year. Please contact media@catholicsforchoice.org if you would like a complimentary hard copy media subscription.

Catholics for Choice shapes and advances sexual and reproductive ethics that are based on justice, reflect a commitment to a person’s well-being and respect, and affirm the capacity of all people to make moral decisions about their lives.