Archbishops Timothy Broglio and Michael Burbidge and Bishop Daniel Flores, representing the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), released a statement this week condemning a declaration by 30 Catholic members of Congress affirming their support for abortion based on their faith.

"Members of Congress who recently invoked teachings of the Catholic faith itself as justifying abortion or supporting a supposed right to abortion grievously distort the faith," they said in the statement. "It is wrong and incoherent to claim that the taking of innocent human life at its most vulnerable stage can ever be consistent with the values of supporting the dignity and wellbeing of those in need."

The lawmakers released their statement in support of abortion on the first anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

"As Catholics, we believe all individuals are free to make their own personal decisions about their bodies, families, and futures," the lawmakers said in a release on Rep. Rosa DeLauro's (D-CT) website. "The role of informed conscience is at the very core of our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church plainly states that 'A human being must always obey the certain judgment of his [or her] conscience. If he [or she] were deliberately to act against it, he [or she] would condemn himself [or herself].' We regard conscience as both a sacred gift and a responsibility: we are called to follow our conscience."

Burbidge released a statement in June in celebration of the first anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

"Conscience rightly enjoys a special regard both in Church teaching and in the public sphere," the bishops said in the statement. "And policymakers should support the freedom of Catholics and of others to serve the common good in accord with their beliefs in a wide range of areas – from services and assistance to recently arrived migrants, to offering health care and social services. Nevertheless, conscience is not a license to commit evil and take innocent lives. Conscience cannot and does not justify the act or support of abortion."

The congressional statement said that a majority of Catholics (68%) support "the legal protections for abortion access enshrined in Roe" and that 63% believe "abortion should be legal in all or most cases." The conference bishops disputed those claims.

Broglio, representing the Archdiocese for the Military Services, is president of the USCCB, the conference's website said. Burbidge is chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Flores is chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine.