I write in response to William LaRochelle’s letter, regarding the “Catholic Church’s stance on homosexuality,” published Feb. 11. As Mr. LaRochelle notes, Catholic bishops are now calling for a fundamental revision of the Catholic Church’s sexual teaching.

Those who know history are aware that the church has changed its teachings, even radically, but ever so slowly over the centuries. Change is to be expected because society knows more now than it did 2,000 years ago or even 100 years ago. Having greater knowledge now is especially true in sexual matters.

What is heartbreaking for me are all the people, like Mr. LaRochelle, who are caught in the time before the formal change in teaching occurs. Unfortunately, my church has not done a good job in communicating the most fundamental teaching: the primacy of conscience. Whatever one’s faith tradition, a person must always follow what they know in their heart to be right for them. That can never be wrong.

Sister Jeannine Gramick, New Ways Ministry co-founder, Mt. Rainier, Maryland