I completely agree that bishops, including recent popes, and Catholic figures of lesser authority as well, have made statements that stand in contrast to, or ev

I completely agree that bishops, including recent popes, and Catholic figures of lesser authority as well, have made statements that stand in contrast to, or even contradict to varying degrees, what has been taught previously regarding the death penalty. It is part of a larger plight of confusion rife in the modern-day Church. One of the wonders of the Internet is that it's not difficult to access even centuries old sources and compilations of Catholic teaching, and more recent ones as well. Sometimes a paper book is still quite helpful, e.g. the Enchiridion Symbolorum[†]. As a Catholic, I accept everything the Church teaches regarding human sexuality, artificial contraception, the priesthood, etc. More than that, I try to study those teachings and allow them to shape my understanding of God, the world and my fellow human beings. I think it's lamentable when that teaching is distorted, hobbled, or even disregarded and contradicted by those whose very mission it is to transmit it across space and time. Rather than get upset by such events, I see them as a call to action! The Catholic hierarchy, according to the Church's own understanding, is not the ultimate origin of teachings on faith and morals. Their "job" is to hand on and clarify what they've received. They can, for a season or two, fail (even spectacularly) to do so. The ship always gets righted after a time, but not without the prayers and efforts of those who recognize the problem. Feel free to contact me if you would like to continue the discussion in a different venue. [†] http://www.ignatius.com/Products/DENZ-H/enchiridion-symbolorum.aspx http://www.ignatius.com/Products/DENZ-H/enchiridion-symbolor...