Jeb Bush and Conscience

Governor Jeb Bush adds his own perspective to our ongoing conversation on Catholics and conscience:

Whether it is the war in Iraq or the death penalty, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush says he is given "pause" when the policies he and his brother support run against the views of the Roman Catholic Church.

Bush, who converted to Catholicism to share the faith of his Mexican-born wife Columba, will lead the U.S. delegation to the inauguration of Pope Benedict on Sunday on behalf of President Bush.

"I get uneasy when the Vatican writes me letters when a death penalty case is about ready to take place in Florida. I'll be honest with you, that gives me pause. It makes me pray harder,'' Bush told reporters in Rome on Saturday.

"Even though it's the law of our land and I have a duty to uphold that law, when there is a conflict .. it does give me concern."

This passage raises several questions. Is Bush conceding that his policies are actually in conflict with Church teaching? If so, does he excuse his failure to seek to change those policies on the ground that he has "a duty to uphold the law?" If so, is there a meaningful difference between Jeb Bush and Mario Cuomo when it comes to their conception of a Catholic politician? (Cuomo, I believe, recounted how he agonized over the abortion question before defending his pro-choice position.)

Rob