Archbishop Aymond: ‘Faithful Citizenship’ requires prayer, study

Dears Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
    As the Republican and Democratic parties have concluded their national conventions, we now turn our attention to the November presidential election as well as our local and state elections.
    We all know the political arena has become more tension-filled and sometimes lacks civility. We as Catholic Christians must be an example of respect and must make sure that our consciences are well-formed on order to go into the voting booth. Your parish has materials from the U.S. Bishops’ Conference on “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.”
    In voting for all elections, there are seven issues that we ask Catholics to consider specifically:
➤ Life and dignity of the human person
➤ Call to family and community
➤ Human rights
➤ An option for the poor
➤ The dignity of work and workers
➤ Solidarity with others to end division
➤ A care for God’s creation
    By reviewing the Catholic Church’s teachings (www.usccb.org), we ask that you carefully reflect on them and decide which candidate’s platform best reflects these teachings of Christ and the Church.
    The Catholic Church neither endorses nor denounces any candidates. We ask people to bring the candidates to prayer, reflect upon their platform and compare it to the teachings of Christ and the Church.
    Our democracy rests on a foundation of voters who have well-formed consciences. May we use these next two months wisely to be fully prepared on election day to fulfill our duty as American citizens.
    Wishing you God’s blessings, I am
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans