As faithful citizens, Catholics are morally obligated to participate in democracy by voting and being active in their communities.
Catholic faith requires that the Church work to shape the moral character of society and back polices that support all people.
Catholics use revelation from God and the teaching of the Church to help form their conscience and make decisions that impact their life.
A well-formed conscience should be used to form opinions in politics and the main issues that affect people of faith.
Catholics should always prioritize the inherent dignity of the human person, respect for life from conception until natural death, and care for the most vulnerable among us.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provide guidance to Catholics in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:
Faithful to the Church and faithful to the country:
Building a kingdom of love, justice, and peace:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2: 1-4
Faithful citizens focus on issues more than candidates:
A hierarchy of issues is necessary:
As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life. The manner of this participation may vary from one country or culture to another. “One must pay tribute to those nations whose systems permit the largest possible number of the citizens to take part in public life in a climate of genuine freedom.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1915
Applying the principles of our faith to public policy:
Impacting the culture for Christ:
We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.
Pope Francis, Morning Meditation, September 16 2013
Catholics should vote for what is best for everyone:
A well-formed conscience is the key to our lives:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
God’s dream come true:
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