The bishops argue that affluent nations are seeking to restrict births in the third world to avoid having to share their riches.

On the other side, the enormously influential bishops have argued that permitting divorce and remarriage would corrupt the Christian fabric of Irish society.

Recently some bishops have argued that the 1962 norms dictating secret disciplinary procedures have long fallen out of use.

The bishops argued that part should be used to improve services for the poor and elderly.

Some bishops argued today for smaller forums that could be organized more quickly, like "listening sessions" with laypeople, or a synod of bishops.

So being left out could prove a financial disaster, the bishops argued in a recent letter sent to everyone in Congress.

Defending themselves, the bishops argue that large-scale public relations campaigns have been successfully used by foes of their pro-life position.

This time, the bishops argue that "any undermining of the meaning of he marriage promise would profoundly damage the stability of society," without mentioning property.

In theological terms, these bishops and the voter guides argue that abortion and the destruction of embryos are categorically wrong under church doctrine.

And some bishops argue that as a political tactic, the church should concentrate more on persuasion than on hard-line commands.