"If a minister should manifest his/her disagreement with Church teaching," George wrote, "he/she should not continue in active ministry until such time that the minister is reconciled to the Church's teaching."

Though this has been the policy of the archdiocese all along, George said he was writing in response to questions posed to the church and in the media "about the appropriateness of Catholics serving as lay ministers who do not profess or believe authentic Church teaching."

Though polls show significant numbers of American Catholics disagree with church policies on abortion, birth control and homosexuality, people who express such beliefs would not be allowed to continue as lay ministers under the policy.

This letter follows an earlier memo to pastors instructing them not to give communion to members of a gay group wearing a rainbow sash. Archdiocese spokesman James Dwyer said there was no connection between the two letters and that the cardinal frequently communicates with his pastors on matters of church policy.

In the Catholic Church, lay ministers receive two years of training, can assist with communion and hold posts of responsibility in the parish. Several pastors declined comment. One Northwest Side lay minister said she doesn't always agree with church teachings but it doesn't affect her ability to minister.

"Bringing communion to the sick, caring for the homeless has nothing to do with your opinion on other church matters," said the minister, who asked that her name not be used. "I feel that everybody has a right to their own beliefs. The church isn't always 100 percent right. They have a long way to go." On the other hand, she didn't believe it appropriate for lay ministers to voice disagreements while on the job.

Another lay minister, Geralda Strouter, said she fully agrees with the policy and believes letters and instructions from bishops are divinely inspired. "Just because an idea or concept is not popular with the people, doesn't mean we shouldn't follow it," said Strouter, who teaches abstinence to young people in the parish of St. Philip Neri in the South Shore neighborhood.

Dwyer said enforcement of the rule would be handled by pastors on an individual basis.