Several groups on campus came together April 2 to support a discussion of the development of conscience and how it relates to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) contraception mandate. Sponsored by Campus Ministry, the Center for Ethics and Culture, the Center for Social Concerns, the Gender Relations Center, the Institute for Church Life, and the University Life Initiatives office, the forum was designed to allow students to participate in the discussion of conscience formation, contraception, and religious freedom.

David Clairmont, Notre Dame professor of moral theology, led the discussion, which centered on two questions: How should Catholics view the mandate? Is there a “right way” to form one’s conscience?

Mary Daly, program coordinator for the Office for University Life Initiatives, said the HHS mandate passed under the Affordable Care Act requires coverage not only for contraception but also for sterilization and Plan B, an abortifacent drug. All of these services violate the Catholic conscience.

Clairmont explained the foundations of conscience formation primarily through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He also showed how it fit with other teachings and beliefs of the Church. The catechism is split into 4 parts, and the location of the discussion of conscience holds significance.

“The catechism starts with a statement of belief, and an exegesis of the creed. It then moves into a discussion on the sacraments; the third section, entitled, ‘Life in Christ,’ is where the conscience discussion falls. The fourth is about prayer,” Clairmont said.

The formation of one’s conscience is part of a greater formation in Christian life.

“The Church has a particular view of when you speak on conscience; human beings are made in the image of God, whose vocation is in happiness and beatitude,” said Clairmont.

Formation of one’s conscience can never be separated from the community of the Church. Conscience is developed, Clairmont said, through studying the teaching of the Church and reflecting on one’s own experiences, as well as the witness of others.

“[Conscience] needs to be developed throughout one’s whole life,” he said. “It’s never fully formed. It’s life-long work…There are always ways we can develop our moral conscience, and become more sensitive.”

The general discussion in the United States about the HHS mandate has not brought in many of the teachings on conscience.

Daly concluded the evening by stating that the Church teachings on conscience and contraception should be considered by people of all faiths because they are not merely a matter of church discipline.

“[Catholics] believe these things because we believe they will lead to happiness,” she said. “The teachings inform what we think is good for the human person. [This mandate] violates our conscience because we think it is bad for the human person.”

Liz Everett likes jogging jauntily.  Contact her at eeveret1@nd.edu.