The Church and Moral Teaching HRE4M

The Church Shapes Moral Character The Church’s position on ethical and moral issues is reported widely in its own publications, the press, television and Internet, and is taught in churches, Catholic schools and Catholic homes. Moral character requires more than ideas, but imagination as well. This includes rituals and images, art and architecture, symbols and stories, through the Bible and the liturgy, through its social outreach programs, and through interacting with other Christians. The liturgy is the primary tool through which the Church teaches. These events in liturgy shape our moral character step by step until the story of salvation becomes our story.

The Church Guards and Maintains Moral Tradition Over the years, the Church has been confronted by many moral issues. The Church’s teaching can be found in many different documents, and is carried out by the people. Four different groups carry this moral tradition forward: the faithful, theologians, priests and pastoral ministers, and the teaching authority of the Church.

The Faithful Our first teachers are our baptized parents and friends. By the example they set, they have an enormous influence on our moral development as children. Catechists and schools also give important witness to the moral truths. Faith is caught through example.

Theologians Theologians interpret this moral tradition, and play an important role by bridging the gap between tradition and the present time. They interpret the ancient tradition and they contribute to the teaching mission of the magisterium by interpreting moral issues today. Although, not official teachers of the church their task is to present the ancient message using ideas and images that are accessible today. (E.g. Hermeneutics)

Priests and Pastoral Workers Priests, deacons, pastoral assistants, administrators and catechists also strive to make these teachings plain to ordinary believers. They seek to respond to the individual’s cultural, social and personal needs They preside and celebrate the sacraments. The seven sacraments are personal encounters with the Risen Christ giving us grace.

The Magisterium: The Teaching Authority of the Church: The “official teaching” of the church on moral matters is called the magisterium. It is made up of the Pope and bishops. It is their task to teach the faith and to ensure that believers honour the values of tradition in their lives.

Bishops Bishops delegate: Bishops designate others to teach as well, such as teachers and catechists in Catholic schools. Bishops give a teaching mission to theologians: They approve certain books and other catechetical materials for use in schools. This approval is called the imprimatur.

Bishops Continued Bishops also teach directly: They publish formal definitions of faith, together with the Bishop of Rome, broadcasting the decrees of ecumenical councils. They write encyclicals, apostolic exhortations, pastoral letters, and declarations under the authority of the papal congregations.

The Magisterium There are two levels of magisterium, extraordinary and ordinary. Extraordinary is in effect in two situations. The first, an ecumenical council, the college of all bishops united with the pope, pronounces a solemn decree. The second, a solemn decree, when the pope speaks explicitly as the head of the Church. Ordinary magisterium refers to the normal daily teachings of the bishops throughout the world. It includes teachings of the pope in encyclicals and apostolic letters.

The Church is a Community of Moral Deliberation Ethical positions emerge in response to events in a community and in the world. The bishops enter into dialogue and debate on moral issues so that everyone may arrive at moral maturity. Ethical positions are developed through open debate and consultation. Letters outlining views of the Church can be revised countless times before they are released.