Bishops in the US have just published a 44-page document entitled 'Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility'. The bishops gathered for their autumn general meeting. Nearing next year's US presidential election, the bishops are urging people to use their faith and a well-formed conscience to guide their political choices.
The bishops' very clear message is that being a Catholic, or not, makes a difference even in politics.
The statement has three parts. In the first part, the bishops discuss the theme 'Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship' and reflect on Catholic teaching and political life. A well-formed conscience and the virtue of prudence along with Church teachings are some of the tools the Church gives to Catholics. They mention seven key themes. These are: The right to life and the dignity of the human person; the call to family, community, and participation; rights and responsibilities; option for the poor and vulnerable; dignity of work and the rights of workers; solidarity, and finally, caring for God's creation.
In the document's second part, the bishops apply Catholic teaching to major issues: human life; family life; social justice and global solidarity.
In the third and final part, the bishops discuss the goals for political life and the challenges for citizens, candidates, and public officials.
"In this statement, we bishops do not intend to tell Catholics for whom or against whom to vote," they explained. "Our purpose is to help Catholics form their consciences in accordance with God's truth. We recognise that the responsibility to make choices in political life rests with each individual in light of a properly formed conscience, and that participation goes well beyond casting a vote in a particular election."
The Church's role in helping Catholics to form their consciences is a central theme in the document. The bishops speak about the foundation needed for Catholics to better evaluate policy positions, party platforms, and candidates' promises and action in light of the Gospel and the Church's moral and social teaching in order to help build a better world.
The bishops affirmed their legitimate role in public life. "The obligation to teach about moral values that should shape our lives, including our public lives, is central to (our) mission," they stated. "Our nation's tradition of pluralism is enhanced, not threatened, when religious groups and people of faith bring their convictions and concerns into public life."
The document will be revisited in future editions of A Christian Outlook. The document can be accessed from: www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship/FCStatement.pdf