![]() ![]() ![]() For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2265). In fact, the Church teaches that “the defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. The Catholic Church does not teach universal pacifism. Let’s look at the same example but this time I am a Catholic. I could therefore claim a religious exemption to the draft, saying, “I cannot serve in the military because I am a Quaker.” To be drafted into military service would put me in a position where I would be required to do something directly contrary to the teachings of my faith. Quakers oppose any and all use of violence as evil and contrary to God’s will. ![]() One of the tenets of the Quaker religion is pacifism. Let’s say our nation is at war and the draft has been reinstated. To understand the difference between these categories, let’s look at another example. I believe it stems from a failure to distinguish between religious exemption and conscientious objection. The bishops of Los Angeles and San Diego have issued similar statements. This is in sharp contrast to the Archdiocese of New York, which on July 30 issued a directive stating “there is no basis for a priest to issue a religious exemption to the (COVID-19) vaccine,” and further saying that priests “should not be active participants” in assisting Catholics to obtain such an exemption. 6 provided their priests with a template religious exemption letter. Some in the Church appear to encourage Catholics to seek religious exemptions to such mandates. Confusion has arisen due to conflicting messages being put out by different U.S. This has led to debate over the ethics of such mandates and whether Catholics should be afforded a religious exemption. With COVID-19 cases again spiking due to the Delta variant, vaccine mandates are becoming more common in schools and workplaces. ![]()
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