Bishops of U.S. Ask Christian Response

by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The sacredness of Christian marriage makes it a special concern of the teaching mission of the Church. Its dignity must be carefully safeguarded and its responsibilities fulfilled. The recent encyclical letter of Pope Paul VI reflects this concern.

The Holy Father, speaking as supreme teacher of the Church, has reaffirmed the principles to be followed in forming the Christian consciences of married persons in carrying out their responsibilities.

Recognizing this unique role in the Universal Church, we, the bishops of the Church of the United States, unite with him in calling upon our priests and lay people to receive with sincerity what he has taught, to study it carefully, and to form their consciences in its light.

We are aware of the difficulties that this teaching lays upon so many of our conscientious married people. But we must face the reality that struggling to live out the will of God will often entail sacrifice.

In confident trust in the firmness of their faith, on their loyalty to the Holy Father and to his office, and their reliance upon Divine help, we ask of them a true Christian response to this teaching.

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