The ‘Decision’: ‘faithful citizens’

In society today we are witnessing national and local political campaigns that have become very negative and in many cases disrespectful to others. 
We must make sure our voices are heard and call for greater civility in politics. Likewise, we must speak with our children and help them to realize such “name-calling” is not according to Christian principles.

Despite the negativity surrounding political campaigns, it is very important that we as Catholics participate in the political process and elections. It is our responsibility as disciples of Jesus to look carefully at the platform of each candidate and compare these principles to the teaching of the Church. There are many moral issues we must be aware of to form our conscience and to decide how to vote.
 
In order to assist you, your pastor will make available to you through this week’s Clarion Herald (see Faithful Citizenship Part I) information provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This information is meant to help us know the moral teaching of the Church and to use these principles in choosing to vote for a candidate. Information from the USCCB is the only approved voter guidance that can be distributed in our Catholic churches.
 
I have heard people say, “I am not going to vote in this presidential election.” Please be reminded that we should not abstain from voting. If no candidate presents the values we believe in, we are called to vote for the candidate that most reflects Christian principles or has the potential to do so if elected. Please be reminded that the Catholic Church does not support a candidate nor can any candidate or their representative speak in our churches or on parish/school premises.
 
As Catholics we believe in the values handed on to us by Jesus and our tradition. Please join me in studying carefully the information from the bishops’ conference and, through prayer, make a responsible decision in this upcoming election.
 
Let us together pray for our country and for peace in our world. May we form our conscience and be faith-filled citizens.