this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: Conscience in Amoris Laetitia and the Responses of Women in Oceania
Author(s): FIGUEROA ALVEAR, Rocío , MCEWAN, Tracy
Journal: Marriage, Families & Spirituality
Volume: 29    Issue: 2   Date: 2023   
Pages: 171-183
DOI: 10.2143/INT.29.2.3292583

Abstract :
This article examines the perspectives of women in Oceania on the topic of conscience in dialogue with the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris laetitia. Firstly, we briefly explore the Catholic theological tradition concerning conscience, including the role given to magisterial authority and its impact on women, especially after Humanae vitae. Then we elaborate on the approach taken by Pope Francis in Amoris laetitia and examine it in dialogue with the perspectives of Catholic women in Oceania based on two key accounts of Catholic women in the region, the International Survey of Catholic Women (ISCW) and the Oceania Discernment on the Working Document for the Continental Stage for the Synod on Synodality. We find that Catholic women in Oceania are contextually juxtaposing agency and compliance to doctrine and church law when they live out and express their understanding of freedom of conscience.

Download article