Catholic Voting

A summary of the USCCB's 2022 Document on Faithful Citizenship

The enemy has worked diligently to sew division throughout human history. This has played out particularly well for him in the American political sphere. We’ve almost all fallen into the somehow instantly against us. Though engrained as a fundamental part of who we are, political landscape in America can be overwhelming and daunting for faithful Catholic Christians.

In 2022, the USCCB updated its document on political responsibility, titled “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” This guide aims to help Catholics make informed decisions in the political sphere, emphasizing the integration of faith and moral principles in the voting process. The document underscores the importance of aligning political choices with Catholic teaching, while considering a range of social and moral issues.

To begin, the USCCB urges all the faithful to participate actively in political life, not as passive observers but as engaged citizens who bring their faith into the public square. This includes voting, advocating for just policies, and holding elected officials accountable.

Pope Francis once said, “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.”

The document clarifies that the Church does not endorse specific candidates or political parties. Instead, it provides a set of principles to help the faithful discern the best choices in a non-partisan manner – prioritizing moral values over party allegiance.

It emphasizes the dignity of the human person, the importance of the common good, the need for justice and peace, all things to consider when evaluating candidates and policies.

A well-formed conscience is essential for making moral and political decisions, but how can we actively form our consciences? This involves understanding the Church’s teachings through education, prayer and reflection, only then can we seek to apply them to complex political scenarios.

The emphasis on forming consciences highlights the need for ongoing education and formation within the Catholic community. Parishes, schools, and Catholic organizations play a crucial role in this process, providing resources and opportunities for the faithful to learn about their faith and its application to social and political issues. This educational effort is essential for developing a well-formed electorate capable of making morally sound decisions.

One of the most beautiful realities and significant challenges of engaging our American, pluralistic society is remaining true to the principles of our faith. The document calls for a balanced approach where we are neither fully aligned with any political ideology nor detached from the political process. This balancing act requires a deep understanding of Catholic teachings and a commitment to applying them consistently.

Topics Catholics should consider engaging in discussions about include the protection of human life from conception to natural death, promotion of family and marriage as the fundamental units of society, support for social justice and the fight against poverty, advocacy for immigrants and refugees, care for the environment, and the promotion of peace and opposition to unjust wars.

The wide range of issues covered in the document reflect the complexity of making political choices. We are called to weigh various factors, such as the sanctity of life, social justice, and environmental stewardship, often finding themselves in situations where no candidate fully aligns with all these principles. This complexity necessitates a discerning approach, where the faithful prioritize fundamental moral issues while considering the broader implications of our choices.

Active engagement in political life challenges us to be witnesses to our faith in the public arena. This involves not only voting but also advocating for polices that promote justice, peace and the common good. It also means being a voice for the voiceless, such as the unborn, the poor and the marginalized. By doing so, we can help shape a society that reflects the values of the Gospel.

Maintaining a non-partisan stance while advocating for moral values can be difficult in a polarized political environment. This document encourages us to transcend party lines, focusing on principles rather than partisanship. This approach fosters moral consistency, allowing the faithful to support policies and candidates that align with our values across the political spectrum.

This comprehensive guide should inspire the faithful to engage in political life with integrity and faithfulness. It emphasizes the importance of a well-formed conscience, active participation, and a non-partisan approach grounded in moral principles, while acknowledging this can be challenging, particularly in a complex and polarized political landscape. The document serves as a beacon, guiding the faithful to make decisions that uphold human dignity, promote the common good, and witness to the values of the Gospel in the public sphere.

The entire document can be found at www.usccb.org/offices/justice-and-peace/forming consciences-faithful-citizenship