Vote - Faithful Citizenship
Faithful citizenship: Participate in public life
Pope Francis calls for Catholics to participate in the common good, noting that voting and involvement in public life is a moral obligation. Encounter faith ministry has assembled resources to help you form your conscience and make your choice based on Catholic teaching and non-partisan information. Do your duty as an American and as a Catholic; through prayer and research, know the issues and the candidates so you can be a faithful citizen.
CATHOLICS PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC LIFE
As followers of Christ, we are called to vote, get involved in our communities, serve those in need and advocate.
CATHOLICS PROTECT HUMAN LIFE
As Catholics, we recognize the dignity of life and that all people were created in the image of God.
CATHOLICS PROMOTE THE COMMON GOOD
We promote the common good so that every person can not only live but also thrive.
CATHOLICS LOVE THEIR NEIGHBORS
We seek to imitate Christ's example of love in our families, neighborhoods, communities and around the world.
CIVILIZE IT: DIGNITY BEYOND THE DEBATE
As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square—and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language, often directed at people themselves.
When personal attacks replace honest debate, no one wins. This kind of attack, no matter the reason, only serves to further divide our communities. As Catholics, we must model a better way.
Civilize It is about making room in your heart for those with whom you disagree. We are called to recognize that each one of us is a beloved child of God and to respond in love to that reality. Civilize It is a non-partisan call to focus on the dignity of all people, even when we disagree, and to put faith in action by bearing witness to a better way forward.
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FORMING CONSCIENCES FOR FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP
• Read Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States, which provides a framework for Catholics in the United States.
• View Archdiocese of Atlanta Faithful Citizenship videos here.
• Click the icon below to visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) page about Faithful Citizenship. Scroll down to the Learn More section to access a variety of resources about Church teachings on Catholic participation in political life.
