Dear Friend,
Thank you for the question.
These days many have been asking a similar question, because we often hear so many confusing and contradictory things coming from the pontificate of Pope Francis, and even in our churches.
If you are taught something that is contrary to the law of God, even by a member of the Church's hierarchy, then you are not obliged to keep it. The body of timeless teaching, the content of faith, is trustworthy and it is often apparent that some clergy contradict it because they have a different agenda.
We can resist that and be in good standing with the Church. The act of rebellion, schism, or heresy comes when we deny the legitimate authority and teaching of the Church, as it has been handed down to us through the generations.
To know the difference, we must consult declarations of the Church, councils, the creed, and things of that nature, and of course, the Catechism is essential. That said, however, I would revert to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, because even the Catechism of the Catholic Church that was published in the 1990s has suffered some tampering as of late.
In any case, if you have a particular issue you need help with, feel free to write us.
Peace,
Bob Kirby
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