This Volume and the rest of the series that will be published, makes no claim to originality; it is rather an accurate and readable summary of official Church teaching. Its compilers have rendered an important service in making these important documents accessible to a wide range of readers. Accurate knowledge of the Faith is so important for all who truly wish to follow Christ and to live as members of His Church. Church teaching opens our minds and hearts to Christ and to the plan of redemption which He revealed and accomplished by His birth, His teaching and above all His death hand resurrection. We cannot be content with the view that religion is simply a matter of subjective opinion. Rather, we need to ensure that our life of faith has strong foundations in the authentic teachings of the Church, in the teaching of the Holy Father and the bishops in communion with him. The magisterium is truly at the service of the Word of God by ensuring that the teaching of Christ will come to us in all is entirety, without dilution or distortion.