So, three nuns write a letter to a newspaper ...

... and the punchline to the joke is: "Because they think they know theology!"

The context:

Three paragraphs of dripping, swarmy sarcasm from these three nuns, penned in response to Archbishop Charles Chaput's noble efforts to defend the unborn. And then this little gem:

We also appreciate the respect for primacy of conscience in our decision-making, as enunciated by Josef Ratzinger, now our current pope, Benedict XVI, who wrote: “Over the pope, as the expression of the binding claim of ecclesiastical authority, there still stands one’s own conscience, which must be obeyed before all else — if necessary, even against the requirement of ecclesiastical authority.”

Nice pull quote, sisters. But clearly it needs context. Otherwise, as I'm sure we'd all agree - ahem, I'm sure we'd all agree - the unfettered primacy of conscience would allow you to do, well, anything.

It would allow you, for instance, to support abortion.

... oh wait, you do.

It would allow you, for instance, to support gay marriage.

... oh wait, you do.

It would allow you, even, to deny that all salvation is through Jesus.

... oh wait, you do.

With that in mind, read their closing statement:

"We are making our ballot choices as adults and as faithful citizens who have weighed the issues in light of the gospels and the justice teachings of our church. We encourage all Catholics to do likewise."

Yes sisters, you clearly set a wonderful example of faithful citizenship lived in the light of the gospels, informed by the justice teachings of our church.

Tell me, what do the gospels say about lying?