in a pastoral letter published in october 2016, bishop robert w. mcelroy of san diego writes that there is "a role for the discernment of conscience on the question of participation in the life of the church and the reception of the eucharist." mcelroy writes, "some catholics engaging in this process of discernment will conclude that god is calling them to return to full participation in the life of the church and the eucharist. others will conclude that they should wait, or that their return would hurt others." he concludes, "rules have an essential role in the life of the believer in conveying the wisdom and grace of the church and providing a firm check on rationalization. but it is in the act of conscience, well-formed and profoundly considered, that the believer is most christlike in carrying out his moral mission in the world."