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A Statement from the Regional Bishop
Concerning the National Elections and a Call to Faithful Citizenship
In just a few weeks, the Nation will complete the voting process. I am taking this opportunity to respond to some inquiries I have received from Church members in recent weeks. First, the Church does not support or oppose any candidates running for office. Second, where the Church takes a position on particular legislation, that position is based on issues of morality and not of politics. In casting your vote, consider the moral implications of the proposition. Third, there is no “Catholic party.” No political party fully agrees with all the moral positions of the Church. If anyone, even a bishop or a priest, should tell you that as a Catholic you cannot vote for a particular party or that you must vote for one party rather than the other, know that the Church does not endorse such a position. Vote the party of your choice. Fourth, the Catholic Church is not a one issue church. There are a great many moral and ethical concerns the Church is called to address. It is a danger to consider only one issue to the detriment of all others. Fifth, as Catholics, we are called to vote for the common good (in other words, to vote for what is the greatest good for the greatest number of people) and to vote from our conscience (not from political, social or financial convenience). Finally, the Church encourages each one of us to register and vote – it is the responsible and Catholic thing to do. We are all called to be faithful citizens.
