Faithful Citizenship

Ron Jackson, Sr.

Sr. Director, Government Affairs
Catholic Charities USA
Overview
Approved by full body of bishops at
2007 general meeting
Updated with Introductory Note added
to current edition in their meeting in
September 2011
Represents the continuing teaching
of the Conference
A call to discipleship in the world of
politics


Document available online:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship
Applying Catholic Teaching
Human Life
Abortion, euthanasia, cloning, genocide, death penalty, avoid war and promote peace
Family Life
Protecting marriage, living with dignity, protecting children, shaping the culture
Social Justice
Just wages, free association, end to discrimination, affordable and accessible health
care, housing, immigration reform, quality education, climate change
Global Solidarity
Scandal of poverty and underdevelopment, human rights, end to torture, care for
refugees
Document provides a
summary of USCCB policy
positions and priorities:
Churchs Teaching on Public Life
Church has strong tradition of political
participation and commitment to
religious
Vatican II: Call for faithful Catholics to engage
in working towards justice and peace
Seek liberty and justice for all
True commitment to justice requires that
Catholics be educated about their faith
Obligation to engage in shaping the moral
character of society

A Well-Formed Conscience
Conscience is the voice of God in
the human heart
Important to examine facts,
background information, and
alternative choices
Study Scripture, the Catechism, and
engage in prayerful reflection to
discern the will of God
It is necessary
that all participate,
each according to
his position and
role, in promoting
the common
good.

Catechism of the
Catholic Church,
no. 1913
Making the Moral Choice
Decisions on political choices often rely
heavily on the virtue of prudence
Prudential judgment should be applied to
complex policy issues
The Churchs teaching is an important
tool in making difficult political choices
Essential to recognize that not all issues
carry the same moral weight
Voting is a decision made by each Catholic
guided by a faithful conscience
Themes from Catholic Social Teaching
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Call to Family, Community and
Participation
Rights and Responsibilities
To one another, our families, and society
Preferential Option for the Poor and
Vulnerable
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of
Workers
Solidarity
Care for Gods Creation
Ways to Exercise Faithful Citizenship
Responsible citizenship is an
obligation for every Catholic
Run for political office or work
with office holders to promote
the common good
Voice concerns to those in
elected office
Join social mission/advocacy
networks
Participate in State Catholic
Conference initiatives
Allowed Election Activities
Share principles of
Catholic Social Teaching
Encourage Voter
Participation and
Education
Allowed to campaign for
some ballot measures
Key: Non-Partisanship

Election Activities Not Allowed
Endorsement or opposition of
specific candidates or political
parties
Allowing church facilities to be
used for political purposes
Distribution of partisan
material

Role of Catholic Charities
Working to call attention to the needs of the poor and
vulnerable
Raise the issue of poverty in the public debate
Reshape message to emphasize the importance of innovation
and reform
Influence candidates platforms to address the moral evil of
poverty
Catholic Charities USA
Election Activity
Provide activities and updates to the network
Washington Weekly
Action Alerts
Encourage participation
Public forums and town halls
Host candidate forums