It is a seriously false denigration of the Church and the magisterium to say that "the Church has no more authority in that area (conscience formation) . . . than a good mother or teacher or gay neighbor or a Jew or a Muslim."  The magisterium is not a bunch of laymen --- gay or otherwise --- who sit around "philosophizing" like men do at a bar or barbershop, or women at a beauty salon.  They are trained for years in theology, Scripture, and moral philosophy, and are guided by the Holy Spirit.  Because of this, the Church correctly teaches:  "The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the college of bishops in communion with Him." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Art. 100).