Considering Conscience-Development Among LGBT and Allied Catholics

This presentation explores the role which the development and cultivation of conscience plays in the lived experiences of LGBT and allied Catholics. In conversations with informants for past and current projects, the theological notion of “primacy of conscience” – that is, an individual has the moral obligation to follow their informed conscience in making judgments or decisions – emerged as a key explanation for their championing of LGBT issues as Roman Catholics. This presentation will also reflect on the outcomes, potential, and limitations in laying groundwork for further study of this topic. In so concluding, it will also touch on some identifiable contributions such further study could make to both queer anthropology and anthropology of religion