How can we responsibly mix law, religion and politics?

Is there a place for personal beliefs in public life?

Is a Catholic health minister in a fit position to legislate on women's issues such as the right to an abortion pill? When the prime minister invokes church leaders' support in going to war with Iraq - and those church leaders tacitly approve this - is there a moral issue at stake?

In Acting on Conscience Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer and academic Frank Brennan tackles these issues head on. He explores some of the legal, moral and ethical issues that capture the public imagination - and critically examines the figures in public life who pass judgment on them. Issues covered include:

• the war in Iraq
• same-sex marriage and parenting
• late-term abortion
• politics and the judiciary

Through detailed analysis of examples from both Australia and the US, Brennan asks: Is there a place for personal beliefs in public life? As citizens and voters, how can we responsibly mix law, religion and politics? How can we ensure that in the future, our leaders will speak for us - but not out of turn?

'In an age of fear and bigotry here is a welcome book of courage and conscience.'
Senator Bob Brown, Australian Greens

'... incredibly timely and game.'
Geraldine Doogue