Social Justice Interests
"Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor."
As Catholics, the call to participate in political life is rooted in our baptismal commitment to fol-low Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. "People in every na-tion enhance the social dimension of their lives by acting as committed and responsible citizens" (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 220).
With understanding of Catholic Social Teachings, (CST), Catholics are better able to evaluate policy positions, party platforms, and candidates' promises and actions in light of the Gospel and the moral and social teaching of the Church in order to help build a better world.
The U.S. Conference on Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website provides resources on understand-ing the Catholic position, based on CST, on many issues facing our country today. It is not the USCCB intent to tell Catholics for whom or against whom to vote. Their purpose is to help Cath-olics form their consciences in accordance with God's truth; the responsibility to make choices in political life rests with each individual in light of a properly formed conscience.
The following link is to the USCCB Action Center to view current action alerts and enable you to sign up so that you can contact your elected representatives to express your concerns and opin-ions on upcoming legislation. Also, please remember to pray for our elected officials and all those people affected by their work.