Faithful Citizenship
As Catholics, we bring the richness of our faith to the public square. We draw from both faith and reason as we seek to affirm the dignity of the human person and the common good of all. With renewed hope, we, the Catholic Bishops of the United States, are re-issuing Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics, which provides guidance for all who seek to exercise their rights and duties as citizens.
“One of our most fundamental rights is the right to vote.”
Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone is encouraging all faithful Catholics to vote.
IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES
- October 21, 2024
Final day to register to vote – online or by mail - November 5, 2024
Time to Vote! Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Final day to register to vote in person.
VOTE NO on San Francisco Proposition O on Nov. 5
“Having babies is at the heart of reproductive health care!”
Why would anyone want to stigmatize a primary health care facility and a pregnancy resource center, two state-licensed health clinics that give pregnant women support for having their babies?
Priorities at the Polls
By Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
As Catholics approach the polls, we are asked to weigh many important issues. The U.S. bishops have reaffirmed that “the threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.” While they did warn us not to “dismiss or ignore other serious threats to human life and dignity such as racism, the environmental crisis, poverty, and the death penalty,” they did give priority to upholding and defending our brothers’ and sisters’ most basic right—to live.
Elections and Voter Information
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
"We need to participate for the common good. 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 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has published a guide entitled Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States. This document provides resources for how Catholics should participate in public life, including voting, participating in dialogue, and promoting the common good.
Advocacy
The Office of Human Life & Dignity advocates for policies that align with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Click on the links below to learn more about specific efforts and sign up to stay informed.
Respect Life
Respect Life
Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice
Care for Creation
Care for Creation
California Catholic Conference
Advancing the Common Good in California
The California Catholic Conference offers resources and advocacy information about bills and campaigns in the state of California. Visit their website to sign up for updates about important issues.
California Catholic Conference Policy on California and National Ballot Propositions
Approved by the Catholic Bishops of California
The California Catholic Conference staff reviews all statewide ballot initiatives and referenda. The bishops, after appropriate consultation, may choose—either individually or as a conference—to support, oppose, or take no position on each measure. Signature gathering, through parishes, schools and ministries, to place an initiative on the California ballot is very rarely permitted. In the past, this has only been allowed for measures which directly protect the sanctity of human life. These policies, as well as further guidelines, are available at: CCC/elections.
Civilize It
A Better Kind of Politics
In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis called us to seek “a better kind of politics, one truly at the service of the common good” (no. 154). As Catholics, we are called to respond to others as our brothers and sisters, even those with whom we disagree. As we engage in the political process, we are invited to take the Civilize It pledge.
I Pledge:
Charity
– To affirm through my words and actions the dignity of every person, each made in God’s image. Even those with whom I disagree are made in his image.
– To respectfully listen in order to understand experiences different from my own.
Clarity
– To engage in critical examination to ensure that my perspectives are rooted in truth, that my sources of information are unbiased, and that I do not open myself to manipulation by partisan interests.
– To form my conscience through prayerful reflection, study of scripture and Church teaching, and guidance from reputable experts.
– To reflect on my own values and seek, with others, to identify shared values.
– To be open to the process of dialogue that can require change of perspective—my own and others’—in service to the inviolable dignity of all and the common good.
Creativity
– To be a bridgebuilder who participates in constructive dialogue based in shared values, a mutual exchange of gifts, and the humility to together seek the good.
– To see differences in perspective as opportunities for creative tension which can yield solutions for the common good.
– To work with others in order to identify creative solutions rooted in our shared values.